Getting Into The Spirit Of Purim
Dear Rachel,
I am hoping you can help me sort out all of my mixed emotions — the result of my being alternately criticized and fawned over. While I admit to enjoying immense popularity in many circles, especially at parties and on holidays (like Purim), I also oftentimes encounter the kind whom I prove to be too much for. Unfortunately, my temperament lends itself to literally sicken people at times, at least those who don’t realize what they’re in for when they get too attached to me.
Let me clarify at the onset that hurting people is certainly not my objective. In fact, considering my tough upbringing – I’ve been left out in the cold for quite a spell, and that’s after sustaining a good pummeling earlier on – I am really very classy for the most part, and even bubbly when called for. And, in all honesty, both men and women feel relaxed with me around. Let’s just say that I am exceptionally adept at helping people unwind. I believe the younger generation calls it “hanging loose” or “chilling.”
My dilemma presents itself when I (sigh) overstay my welcome. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’m pushy or force myself on people. At the risk of sounding arrogant, I will say that quite the opposite is true. Some people are so enamored of me that they tend to get carried away, refusing to let go. Then of course I’m the one me who ends up shouldering the blame.
By now you should have gotten quite a clear picture of what I’m all about. I realize I am what I am and that nothing you say will alter my nature, but I can sure do with some of your words of chizuk and support.
Blushing in Cabernet County
Dear Blushing,
At first let me say how deeply touched I am that you chose this column to confide your woes in. As a matter of fact, we have been in touch in the past and you have always impressed me with your mellow nature. If it is of any consolation, I have personally never experienced anything even remotely unpleasant in our interactions, you’ve invariably made me feel lighthearted in your company, and I have always found our brief tête-à-tête here and there to be delightful.
Moreover, your basic essence (or might it be effervescence?) is the stuff that has influenced the writings of the most famous of composers. Why, we need look no further than Shlomo HaMelech who authored the poignant allegorical song of love – Shir Hashirim – as eloquent testimony to the passionate relationship between the Children of Israel and their Creator. And what does he analogize that love with…? Yayin! — “Heviani el bais ha’yayin” – He brought me to the house of wine (alluding to the delight of Torah, no less)!
Surely the important role you played in Esther’s mishtei ha’yayin, the wine feast that Queen Esther devised to bring about the end of Haman, has not escaped you. Need further corroboration of your ranking? Our holy books are replete with samples… “Ein simcha ehlah b’yayin” – there is no true rejoicing without wine (Pesachim 109a). “V’yayin yesamach levav enosh” – and wine gladdens the heart of man (Tehillim 104:15).
And you ask me for words of chizuk and support? Oh my! I am almost giddy at the thought! On a sober note, there is no denying that for all your wonderful credentials you have indeed been the cause of trouble aplenty. But in all fairness, you shouldn’t be blaming yourself or feeling guilty. There is an old Chinese saying that sums it up: “Drunkenness is not the wine’s fault but the man’s.”
So let us set “man” straight, shall we? Anything but a moderate consumption of wine can have a devastating effect on every human organ. Doesn’t need to be long term heavy drinking; even short-term binges are hazardous to one’s health. Intoxication decreases blood pressure, pulse and respiration and compromises the abuser’s immune system — to say nothing of its deleterious effect on the brain that results in impairment of judgment, balance, coordination and reflexes.
Though it might take excessive amounts of alcohol over a prolonged period of time to increase the risk factor for cancer, stroke and liver disease, a large amount of rapidly consumed alcohol can, Heaven help us all, bring about coma and death.