It was the final hours of Purim, and as the busy day faded into night, I sat with Eitan* and Ariel*, partaking in a final few lechaims. I’d known both for some time, as they were active members of our community.
Wine has the power to lower our inhibitions, and make difficult things easy to say. We farbrenged about a variety of topics, the alcohol making me feel mellow enough to bang my fist on the table and declare, “You both need to break up with your non-Jewish girlfriends, and find Jewish wives!”
I spoke earnestly on the importance of Jewish continuance, and while they listened complacently, I wasn’t sure if the glassiness in their eyes was a film of drunkenness, or disinterest.
“Lechaim!” I toasted them, raising my glass. “May you both get married to Jewish women this year!”
They laughed and shot back their drinks.
“And may you have children this year, too!” I added.
Eitan and Ariel left, without intentions of making any changes. Somehow, within a few months, for unrelated reasons, their relationships fell apart. We introduced Ariel to a nice Jewish girl, and Eitan found himself a Jewish girl, too! A couple of months later, they were both engaged!
Today, both men are happily married and building Jewish families. Thanks to a Purim lechaim, Eitan and Ariel have fathered three beautiful Jewish children!
