Op-Ed: It’s Not Chasidic to Drink, It’s Against Chasidus Part #2
by Rabbi Chaim Dalfin
Since yesterday’s Op-Ed was published regarding the drinking problem, I’ve received a lot of correspondence. This prompted a continuation of my previous Op-Ed and a second clip in regards.
Chabad Chasidic bochurim are special. Their learning and commitment to the Rebbe’s teaching are exemplary. Yet, the drinking issue is harmful and misdirected.
Someone commented that the Chabad Nigunim of Stav ya pitu, and Nezhe…chloptzi encourage drinking. This is wrong. Learn the Rebbe’s talks about these two Nigunim and you’ll see they refer to soulful experiences, not bodily ones.
It’s the context in which L’Chaim is said, that is primary, not the drinking.
Leaders & Mashpiim
Who is responsible for bochurim’s drinking culture? It’s their leaders and Mashpiim. They will be held accountable. There’s no excuse. When bochurim drink in their apartment during “Bein”, the yeshiva administration needs to deal with them as if they had gone to a movie or had broken into the yeshiva kitchen.
The bottom line is that more leaders need to stand up and say the drinking culture isn’t Chasidic. They need to stop it. They need to tell their Mashpiim if you’re under 40 you aren’t allowed to have more than four small shot glasses. And, if you won’t listen, you jeopardize keeping your position.
To end with positivity, saying L’Chaim can and should be a special way to serve Hashem.
L’Chaim
Tomim
Rabbi, you end by saying l’chaim but without a drink of mashkeh, saying l’chaim is like davening without kavana, going to mikveh fully dressed, making a cheshbon hanefesh with a calculator…it is empty and hollow. The saying of l’chaim was established when drinking, if you say it without drinking, it’s like saying gut shabbos on Tuesday.
Lamdon
I think the last Rema in Orach Chaim clearly states the possuk from Mishlei: v’tov lev, mishteh tamid.Translation: A good heart is perpetually drinking.
Anonymous
“Someone commented that the Chabad Nigunim of Stav ya pitu, and Nezhe…chloptzi encourage drinking.”
That was my comment. And, yes, they do. I have seen it happen with people who have more than passing familiarity with the Rebbe’s statements on those songs. They should know better but, nevertheless, “chap arein.”
There is a lot of work in store to de-normalize this behavior.
Tomim
Saying L’Chaim without the drinking of mashke, is like eating butter without any bread. Feh!