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KIDDUSH CLUBS
בס"ד
The proliferation of “Kiddush Clubs” in synagogues should be a cause for concern throughout the entire Jewish community. These gatherings, by their very nature, raise a number of halachic issues in terms of people leaving shul during parts of the davening or laining and showing a blatant lack of kavod for a shul. In addition, the people who participate in these improper gatherings are teaching their children, by example, in ways that are contrary to the Torah. Beyond the halachic considerations, Kiddush Clubs are known to contribute in a very real way to the growing crisis of alcoholism in the Jewish community. A person who drinks at inappropriate times and in improper ways in a shul building, can easily convince himself that what he is doing is not only proper, but a mitzvah. Obviously, the opposite is true. He is risking his own physical and mental health and may be endangering his shalom bayis. We base this view on research done by prominent Orthodox professors of pediatrics, who urge that steps be taken to protect our community's children. The organizations dealing with alcoholism, including, Amudim and Open House, all agree that kiddush clubs contribute directly to alcoholism and that children raised in shuls that tolerate such clubs will have a greater propensity for alcohol addiction and abuse when they are older. The communal kiddush has its place in shuls. It is a forum that brings mispalilim together and promotes achdus. However, it should take place after davening, in a public area and be open to all. The Vaad Harabonim of Toronto, the organization that represents the Orthodox Rabbis of Toronto, commends those communal leaders and organizations who have taken a public stand against such groups and we encourage others to become involved in the effort to educate the public about the potential dangers.