A popular program at Congregation Ohav Emeth in Highland Park returned for a second time when the shul held its “Bible and Booze” event on Saturday night, January 7. Attracting over four dozen attendees, the gathering featured a talk by Rabbi Meir Lipschitz on the halachic principles that relate to alcoholic beverages, a tasting of six varieties of whiskey guided by whiskey ambassador Patrick McCarthy of Bayway World of Liquor in Elizabeth, and a reception of fleishig foods from Kosovo Slow-Cooked Meats and Bridge Turkish Grill and Restaurant in Highland Park.

Congregation Ohav Emeth’s rav, Rabbi Eliyahu Kaufman, welcomed the attendees and added light humor to the event, noting that “normally, I’m the spiritual leader of this shul, but tonight I’m the leader of spirits.” He suggested that the organizers consider other names for the program series, such as “Shaas and Shots,” “Emunah and Alcohol,” “Halacha and Hooch,” “Learning and Liquor,” “Mishnah and Moonshine” and “Frumkeit and Firewater.” Event organizers Josh Biel and Michael Garber told The Jewish Link that the annual event also serves as a fundraiser for the shul and that plans are underway for a wine and cheese tasting and a beer tasting.

By Harry Glazer