Summary of the Dinim That Come Out
According to the Shulchan Aruch and most of the poskim, the halachah is like Rava that: מיחייב איניש לבסומי בפוריא עד דלא ידע בין ארור המן לברוך מרדכי – “A person is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim to the point that he can no longer differentiate between “arur Haman” (cursed is Haman) and “baruch Mordechai” (blessed is Mordechai).” The reason is either because it is part of mishteh, simcha, Divrei Kabbalah or derabbonon. Some take on l’halachah that there is no obligation to do this, based on the fact that the Gemara brings the story of Rabbah shechting R’ Zeira.
The Achronim discuss if the mitzvah is inclusive (עד ועד בכלל) or exclusive (עד ולא עד בכלל). The Achronim further discuss if one’s mind settles after he gets to the level of “ad deloi yoda”, if he is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah again.
According to the Mishnah Berurah, the proper way to fulfil the mitzvah is to drink more than regular and to fall asleep, and thus be in a state of “ad deloi yoda”. However, many poskim advise fulfilling “ad deloi yoda” in the simple manner, although they warn to be careful that it is שמחה של מצוה ולא הוללות חלילה – “joy due to the mitzvah, and not foolishness.”
According to the Maharsha, one of the three things a talmid chocham is allowed to lie about, is to say he is on the level of “ad deloi yoda” even if he is not. According to the Nimukei Yosef, this is actually what the obligation entails, and the obligation is: עד דסברי אינשי דלא ידע בין ארור המן לברוך מרדכי- “Until people are tricked into thinking that he doesn’t know the difference between “arur Haman” and “baruch Mordechai”.
The poskim argue if the obligation is to specifically use wine to remember the mishteh of Achasveirosh, or if any strong beverage that brings one to the level of “ad deloi yoda” is enough.
We also saw an interesting discussion of whether there is a mitzvah of chinuch for children to drink on Purim.
