From Kiddush to Control: Talking Honestly About Alcohol
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The podcast episode hosted by Abigail Morris features Rabbi Miriam Berger and psychologist Stuart Link, discussing the cultural and health implications of alcohol consumption, including "Dry January" and its impact on Jewish life. They explore perspectives on alcohol use in Jewish rituals, the potential health effects of drinking, and offer insights into reducing alcohol consumption and the importance of community and accountability in making lifestyle changes. Furthermore, they delve into societal perceptions of Jewish drinking habits, emphasizing the complexities of addressing alcohol-related issues within the community.
In this episode of Life Dunk Rabbi Miriam Berger and psychologist Stuart Linke explore our complicated relationship with alcohol. Starting with the idea of Dry January, the conversation moves through health, habit, culture and faith: what alcohol does to our bodies and minds, how dependence can creep in unnoticed, and why counting our drinking can be so revealing. Rabbi Berger reflects on the central place of wine in Jewish ritual, from kiddush to Purim, alongside powerful rabbinic warnings about excess, while Stuart Link offers practical psychological insight into moderation, stress, addiction and wellbeing. Together they ask whether abstinence, moderation, or mindful ritual offers the healthiest path, and how community, accountability and marking time can support real change.