While Purim is my favorite Jewish holiday, there is one thing about it that I dislike: An excess of alcohol, and the problems that can result from overindulging.

Because it’s the only holiday that actually encourages unrestrained drinking, many folks take it to an unfortunate extreme, especially the young people. This can cause dire consequences like car accidents, domestic disputes, property damage and unwise (possibly unwanted) romantic encounters.

There is nothing wrong with having a good time. We are meant to celebrate and enjoy ourselves. That doesn’t mean, however, that we can drink ourselves into a coma and pretend it’s ok. Many people have experienced firsthand what happens when too much alcohol is combined with too little common sense (it’s not pretty!).

All of the guidelines I’ve seen recommend no more than 2 drinks per day for women. Doubling that amount to 4 drinks during a holiday celebration may be risky. Tripling it would be asking for disaster, yet so many do it anyway. (Binge drinking, in particular, is even more dangerous for the mind and body, and puts you at greater risk for physical harm.) 

Anyone who is hosting or attending a party needs to be extra careful. The cost of a taxi or an Uber can literally save a life. There is never, ever a reason to drive drunk! Pay attention to those around you. If someone seems unsteady on their feet, or confused, or is vomiting, they need immediate attention. I once knew someone who passed out after a wild night and tragically asphyxiated in his sleep. That sort of accident is almost entirely preventable.

And, let’s not overlook, the large number of alcoholics in every community. Individuals who are problem drinkers should not be left unsupervised while the punchbowl is full. It’s always smart to offer soft drinks and water for anyone who may need it or simply prefers it.

I don’t say all of this to be a killjoy. I say it because a fun time can turn into a tragedy in the blink of an eye. Have a glass of champagne, by all means, just don’t make it an entire bottle.  

Would you dress up as the President for Purim? Our friends in Israel are scooping up Trump masks in record numbers, for the third year in a row. There are five different options, including a “Joker” fright version. According to this article, American political figures are always in demand, and Obama masks were just as popular during his term in office.

It goes to show that American culture is truly international and our bond with Israel is unbreakable.

In an outrageously biased move, Iceland is proposing a bill that would ban circumcision. Immediately denounced by Nordic Jewish leaders, there is a legitimate fear that such a ban would prevent growth in the small Jewish community. (Currently, there are approximately 250 Jews in Iceland, but Chabad is sending a rabbi and his family to jumpstart needed services this year.)

Is this bill based solely on religious persecution? Certainly, there is a disturbing history of anti-Semitism—banning kosher slaughter, aiding a Neo-Nazi website, sheltering WW2 criminals, offering chess chump Bobby Fischer citizenship, and trying to ban Israeli-made goods are just a few of their most shameful decisions.

However, with the relatively small number of Jews in the country, I think it’s mainly targeted towards the Muslim migrants who are desperate to relocate. Circumcision, perhaps, is the only issue Jews and Muslims fully agree on and it’s so unfair for any government to target Religious beliefs and practices. (Just another reason why I thank God everyday for America!)

Far from being a progressive paradise, Iceland is actually one the most hateful, intolerant places on earth. Let’s not forget that this nation is so heartless, they forcibly abort all babies with Down Syndrome—an act that is so vile and immoral there are no words.

I can’t even imagine living in a place so humanist that they are advocating eugenics and trying to eliminate religious freedom. (Incredibly sad and should not be allowed anywhere on earth.) Maybe some folks would say that it doesn’t matter, that Iceland is too small, too cold, too far away to bother with.

I disagree. History has proven that hate spreads like wildfire and we can’t tolerate it anywhere, at any time. That’s why I’m so impressed that a wonderful Chabad family, the Feldmans, are willing to sacrifice their personal comfort and build a Jewish community in Iceland. Against all odds, I’m praying they can do it.

On February 19, 2018, an amazing new video series will begin. Extraordinary Jewish Women: How to Live a Purpose-Filled Passionate Life Rooted in Jewish Values features 20 ladies discussing their careers, Judaism, Israel, life lessons, and so much more.

The idea for this remarkable project came from my friend, Risa Borsykowsky. She is a talented artist, owner of the popular Judaica website Jewish Gift Place, and a well-known philanthropist who raised over $10,000 for the Holocaust Resource Center in Manhasset, NY. Her vision is to inspire others by learning the attitudes and behaviors of successful Jewish women and the role that Jewish values play in their lives. 

The group includes a diverse range of fields—publishing, writing, entrepreneurship, blogging, Rabbis, motivational speakers, tour guides, community organizers, etc. Yours Truly was invited to participate and I am so honored! As you can see, I’m in very good company here:

• Sheri Lapidus
• Phyllis Chesler
• Yvette Alt Miller
• Heather Dean
• Vicki Schneps
• Eve Harow
• Faye Kellerman
• Wendy Rosen
• Jamie Geller
• Debra Poneman
• Lisa Tzur
• Jodi Samuels
• Hannah Dreyfus
• Lisa Hofstein
• Chaya Appel Fishman
• Lori Palatnik
• Mara Strom
• Jill Zimmerman
• Ilana Aisen

The interview 30 minutes long and discusses how each one of us followed our hearts into a vocation we’re passionate about, while staying grounded, giving back, and helping others. Watching the series is both uplifting and enlightening! 

By signing up here, you will receive one interview delivered to your inbox daily. All of these ladies are informative and their stories inspired me tremendously. This is the type of project I love and even if I wasn’t participating, I’d definitely be watching.