With Purim now in the rear-view mirror, it’s worthwhile to investigate the place of drinking in our Orthodox communities. Rabbi Tully Harcsztark and Dr. Rivka Schwartz assert that it does, indeed, play a troubling role. In fact, scientific surveys have demonstrated that yeshiva high school students are involved in numerous antisocial behaviors, like binge drinking, gambling, and marijuana use – and some of them, at a significantly higher rate than American high school students in general.
Parents and educators – and everyone who cares about the future of the Jewish community – need to ask why this is happening, how it is connected to affluence, what can be done to change these behaviors, and more.
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Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com