There is a halachic problem, as has been discussed previously, with praying while being drunk. If someone gets drunk on Purim, how does he manage to fulfill the mitzvah to pray three times a day?
Perhaps I'm disregarding various levels of drunkenness. Is it possible to fulfill the halacha of getting drunk on Purim (Shulkhan Aruch Orach Chaim 695:2) and still manage to be in a suitable state to pray (being presentable before a king)? I'm looking to know if a middle ground could work: if being typsy could fulfill the Purim halacha and still permit one to pray.
I would happy to hear if there is a proper procedure that accommodates both the custom and mitzvah. If it's not possible, how does this custom of drunkenness prevail, as a person would then be intentionally skipping a mitzvah?
Answer
Most solutions to this question involve either a compromise on drunkenness, or on prayer. Either you can follow one of the opinions which allow you to fulfil the obligation of drinking without actually getting drunk (Rema, M"B) or an opinion that allows you to pray while drunk (see @Gershon Gold's citation from Nitei Gavriel. I didn't know there was a legitimate opinion allowing that until today, thanks.)
There is, however, a solution that allows for both. Remain sober until Mincha Gedolah, and pray. Then get drunk at the se'uda (which is probably the best time for that anyway), sleep it off, and go to a late ma'ariv.
No comments:
Post a Comment