Question: Can one daven maariv after the Purim seuda if they have drunk alcohol?
Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 99:1) states
that a person who drinks a revi’is of wine should wait a short time
before davening. If someone has consumed more than this, they are still yotze,
provided they can speak coherently, as one would in the presence of a king.
However, if they are unable to speak clearly, they have not been yotze
and must daven again once they are sober. The Rema adds that this
applies to both the amida and shema. However, one may still
recite other berachos in this state. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 185:4)
further clarifies that one may bentch even if their speech is slightly
slurred (see Magen Avraham 185:3). Likewise, the Mishna Berura (99:8) explains
that even if someone has drunk alcohol, they must still recite the shema.
However, if they sober up before the latest time for reciting the shema,
they should repeat it.
The Rema (OC 99:3) observes that slight drunkenness is not a
concern with today’s wines, which are generally weaker than those consumed in
Talmudic times, especially if one is davening from a siddur.
However, the Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham OC 99:6) advises caution when bentching
or davening in such a state, even with a siddur. The Mishna
Berura (99:3) suggests that since we often struggle with proper kavanna
even when sober, we should not be overly stringent in this regard.
The Magen Avraham (99:1) and Mishna Berura (99:2) clarify
that this rule applies only if one drank a significant amount of wine on an
empty stomach. If one drank wine as part of a meal, they are generally
considered sober enough to daven.
The Shaarei Teshuva (695:2), Chayei Adam (2:155:30), and
Mishna Berura (695:4; Biur Halacha 695:2) all emphasise that one should avoid
drinking on Purim to the extent that it interferes with fulfilling mitzvos
such as davening, netilas yadayim, or reciting berachos.
In conclusion, one should refrain from drinking to the point
where it prevents them from bentching or davening properly. If
one has drunk enough that their words are slurred, they may still bentch
and recite shema to avoid missing these important mitzvos. If one
would otherwise miss davening, they should daven, provided they
are reasonably sober.
