AA is not against Alcohol
AA as an institution does not have an opinion about non alcoholics drinking alcohol. AA is not in the business of preventing the normal usage of alcohol by the population at large. At the Shabbos Farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) for Parshas Shemini 5723/1973, with regard to the verse, “Yayin Vesheichar Al Teisht,” ( Do not drink wine that will lead to intoxication - Leviticus 10:9) the Rebbe gave a Sicha (talk) on the limits of drinking Mashke (Alcoholic drinks). The Rebbe said that it should not be used for Kiddush, and that even when one makes Kiddush on wine, only “Rov Kos” (a measure indicating the majority of the cup) should be drunk and not (as in the manner of the Four Cups on Pesach) the entire contents of the cup. When it comes to celebrations, even at a wedding and also at a Chassidic Farbrengen, one should not say any more than three “lechaims,” and this should only be on small cups in a way that all three times together do not total any more than a “Rov Revi’is Metzumtzam” – a condensed measure of “Rov Revi’is. (86ml)” All of this applies to those who are under the age of forty (and especially to bochurim (Yeshiva students) who are not yet married, where there are additional reasons as to why they should avoid drinking Mashkeh). Even people who are over forty should minimize their drinking, and they should imbibe the “wine” of the Torah, meaning its innermost aspects. Everything mentioned above applies to the entire year, including the weekdays, Shabbos, and Yom Tov, and at every location. There is only one day of the year – Purim - when I don’t want to interfere …. Elsewhere, two responsa on this issue are given. With regard to the “Heter” (permission) supposedly given to a Mashpia (Chassidic mentor) to drink more than what is allowed according to the above: “It is from the temptations of the Yetzer (Evil Inclination), of course, and thus – it is not advisable to listen to temptation (which by so doing, will only increase it even more, and he would not allow himself to Farbreng (lead a Chassidic gathering) with any other temptation, or even with no temptation), but he should do the opposite.” Another response (although not worded exactly): “I was horrified to hear, and in private is worse than in public.” “And we conclude with something good.”
The Lubavitcher Rebbe WAS against excessive drinking of alcohol. Below is a synopsis of a talk the Rebbe gave publicly 35 years ago.
The Gezeirah (Decree) concerning Mashkeh (Alcoholic Drinks)
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As a Lubavitcher alcoholic, I know that this decree of the "four small l'chaims" was always an issue which I wrestled with. I would often feel terribly guilty that I was knowingly and blatantly flouting the Rebbe's directive. I would go to the Ohel and try to make resolutions to adhere to the rule. But, of course, it never worked.
For a while, I started drinking straight Everclear so I could get more of a "bang for the buck" out of just four shots.
Another game I played was four cups (like big styrofoam cups). Since I could drink them in one gulp,it was like a shot. Of course, by the time I had gulped four full cups, I was drunk enough to allow myself to continue drinking as much as I felt like.
Then there were times when I just ignored the rule completely. Most nights, I would come home and drink and I knew that what I was doing was totally against the Rebbe's decree. But, I reasoned, sometimes with tears in my eyes, "Rebbe, I am not saying l'chaim at all. Not even one l'chaim. I am taking my medicine. I am getting drunk."
Now that I am sober, I feel like I am the last person to stand up and tell other Lubavitchers to follow the Rebbe's rule. I don't feel it's my place, so I thank you, Rabbi Pinson, for doing so even though you know there are plenty who will scoff.
I also feel that I am the wrong person to tell other people to follow the "decree" but I can definitely be the messenger to covey the fact that such decree exists...
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