L’CHAIM LITE –
March 16, 2022 – When Jerry was 21, he was invited to a “white kiddush,” a twist on the Shabbat service that substitutes vodka for the traditional wine or grape juice. It took place during Purim, the Jewish holiday when alcohol consumption is often encouraged.
While there, he was poured 16 ounces of straight vodka in a glass. As he became inebriated, he grew belligerent — and rather than help, his fellow congregants egged him on.
“I definitely blacked out,” said Jerry, who asked that his real name not be used. “My only memory is yelling obscenities at the top of my lungs during the service and getting a lot of encouragement for doing so. Everyone thought it was funny.”
