Drink on Purim, but don’t be a slob

In the spirit of Purim, I thought it was a good idea to put together a few guidelines to help those of us, who only drink once a year, to drink responsibly and not be a drunken mess.

• Pick one drink and stick to it. If you like wine, drink wine. If you like beer, drink beer. Mixing and matching exotic combinations of alcohol is bad news – watch out.
• Drink water. According to sources, dehydration is the cause of hangovers. Drink plenty of water and when you are done (after ma’ariv, assuming you make it), drink more water.
• No sugar. Alcohol (especially beer) has an extremely high glycemic index. The extra sugar is a cause of dehydration and therefore hangovers. It will also upset your stomach and could cause vomiting.
• No mixed drinks. A Purim meal is not a social club; don’t drink things like rum and Coke, vodka and orange juice, etc. Mixing drinks usually means adding sugar and should be avoided.
• The “hair of the dog”. This is a trick used by rock stars and college students during spring break. The next morning, after a long day of serious drinking, wake up and start your day with a beer. Apparently it numbs the effects of a hangover. (Not recommended).
• Eat. Drinking without eating is a recipe for disaster.

The following idea is brought down in classic Jewish sources - “Nichnas yayin yotze sod” – “Put in the wine and the secrets come out.” The secrets can come out on Purim, not your Purim meal.

Please add any additional advice or tricks you know about and have an amazing Purim!

February 26th, 2007 General, Jewish Issues