Don’t go into Purim without listening to these classic episodes of the Orthodox Conundrum Podcast:
Purim is, if not the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar, then certainly the most "fun." And therein lies the problem: are we teaching our children and students that having fun requires alcohol? Is teenage alcohol abuse a real danger, or is it healthy to let loose given that it's only one day a year? Is worrying about Purim drinking and the effects of kiddush clubs alarmist, or necessary? What should be done if you suspect that your kid has a problem, and how is "problem" even defined? We hope this episode with Dr. Zev Ganz gives you food for thought. (Originally released in 2020)
How should Orthodox Jews relate to the mitzvah of wiping out Amalek - a Torah law that might seem immoral? What are we remembering when we think of Amalek, and is there a message within that resonates with committed Torah Jews living in the 21st century? Join Scott as he talks with Rabbi Aryeh Klapper about Amalek, and what Parashat Zachor and Purim mean for Jews today. (Originally released in 2022)
It’s so surprising to me that the community - Lakewood yeshivishe specifically isn’t raising massive concerns about what Purim shows how society is doing.
There’s something wrong with a society that has a day (multiple times a year) that full grown adults down to teenagers are found to be completely drunk.
Don’t get me wrong - I struggle with addiction. But I know I have a huge problem, therefore I am confronting it with hard work.
When Roshey Yeshiva encourage this behavior, instead of taking a hard look in the mirror, that is concerning.
Maybe examine why so many of the community are so dead - dying for the days it is a mitzvah to drown away all the pain.
To not feel.
To be numb.