Drinking still illegal for minors on Simchat Torah

Posted

Not joyful

By Malka Eisenberg

Issue of September 17, 2010/ 9 Tishrei 5771

Excessive drinking, especially in minors, more than dilutes the joy of Simchat Torah. It is also dangerous and illegal.

Since 2007, in Nassau County, “it is a violation of the Social Host Law if a party host knowingly allows an underage person to drink alcohol,” explained Chris Munzing, deputy director of communications for the Nassau County District Attorney, Kathleen Rice. Munzing said that there are currently 22 open Social Host cases. The law, which was passed in 2008, ­­ does not cover “anything that is a religious ceremony,” according to Munzing, and “a glass of wine at the seder is not a violation.”

“People should be aware that there are issues in allowing minors to consume alcohol,” explained Michael Fragin, a trustee of the Village of Lawrence. “It’s not just moral and medical, but criminal issues as well. Kids are camping out in people’s houses for Yom Tov. Kids from out of the neighborhood come without their parents for Simchat Torah and many parents are unaware of their obligations to these minor children.”

Under the legislation, hosts who do serve alcohol to minors can face criminal penalties — information that is especially relevant for Simchat Torah.

“It is a major problem,” stressed Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, assistant rabbi at the Young Israel of Woodmere. “It’s a chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d’s name) above everything else. It’s dangerous medically.  The person is rendered incapable of doing the time dependent mitzvoth (commandments) and forcing Hatzalah and doctors to be mechalel Yom Tov (desecrate the holiday)…  It’s a horrible, terrible thing on any level.”

Rabbi Glatt praised local shuls for taking “strong measures.” The risk of sudden death from excess alcohol is “thankfully rare but should not be just dismissed.”

The Young Israel of Woodmere, Congregation Aish Kodesh and Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv have instituted policies of not serving liquor.

“Clearly the action taken by shuls in recent years to reduce or eliminate wine and liquor at kiddushim has a positive effect and a significant change for the better,” said David Mandel, chief executive officer of Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services.  “At the same time, it doesn’t completely eliminate the opportunity for drinking or alcoholism for those who choose to or really want to drink.  The problem of drinking is exacerbated on days like Simchat Torah and Purim among some, both because of its popularity in excess including drinking and also it is either tolerated or can be hidden.”

Mandel urged parents and community members to be more vigilant at these times, especially where there is a young person with leanings toward alcohol consumption.  Drinking to excess can begin as early as age 10 or 12, he explained.

“It is difficult and often impossible to tell young people that they must stay home on Simchat Torah,” said Mandel.  He suggested that parents offer their home for the children’s friends to spend several hours on Simchat Torah and “provide refreshments.”  Although some children might not appreciate the offer, Mandel says, others will.

“You as a parent will know where the children are and other parents will be deeply grateful,” Mandel explained.

He noted that setting limits for an adolescent has limits. “It’s just as hard as a parent to set rules for that day that the child hasn’t heard or followed the other 364 days of the year,” he said.  “Be practical in your conversation and expectations.”

A parent has the “right and obligation to supervise and know where your child is,” stressed Mandel.  “G-d forbid Hatzalah should call you. You can ‘check in’ on your child on Simchat Torah without hovering and making your child nervous with your presence.”