Lubavitchers have a reputation as being big drinkers. It is interesting that their own Rebbe was outspoken in his OPPOSITION to [excessive] drinking. This is part of an article on the topic by Rachmiel Travitz.
[For the whole article and sources, see here - C:/Users/User/Downloads/The_Lubavitcher_Rebbes_Decree_Against_Dr.pdf]
The Basis and First Mention of the Decree:
On Parshas Shemini, Shabbos Mevorchim Iyar 5723 (1963), following an unfortunate
occurrence which came about from the excessive drinking of spirits, the Rebbe decreed and
demanded from all Anash (Chabad Chassidim) to decrease in the drinking of spirits.
The Rebbe continually mentioned throughout the years the “restriction on drinking” and on
a number of occasions, it was expressed quite sharply.
The Details of the Decree:
1) The Decree itself is for those who are not yet 40 years old, and especially to Yeshivah
Students (Bochurim), and it is upon Anash (the Chassidim) in general to decrease in
the drinking of spirits [i.e., even those over 40].
2) The restriction is on saying L’Chaim more than four times. (In the earlier years the
restriction was only on saying L’Chaim three times, however starting from the 5740s
(1980s) the Rebbe changed this to four.) [Note: It seems to be unclear whether this is in addition to or included in the Revi’is. One should ask his or her personal
Mashpia. It would appear that the general consensus is that it is included in the
Revi’is].
3) The measurement of ‘four times’ is specifically using small cups, in a way that all of
them together equal only the measurement of a ‘Revi’is’. [Note: See above, 2).
There are a number of opinions as to how much a Revi’is is. However, it is proper to
quote the opinion of Rabbi Avraham Chaim No’eh, who is the generally accepted
opinion in Chabad-Lubavitch. In his opinion a Revi’is is approximately 86.5 mL which
equals 2.93 FL oz. 7
].
4) The amount of ‘four times’ is specifically to someone who would not become drunk
from this, however, if there is even a doubt that they will become drunk even from a
small amount of spirits, then it is forbidden to drink even that small amount.
5) It is forbidden to make Kiddush on spirits , only on wine (or bread), and even when
making on wine, it is forbidden to drink the whole cup, rather, majority of the cup
and no more, except for the four cups at the Seder on Pesach where you need to
drink the whole cup.
6) The wine of Kiddush (of Shabbos or Yom Tov) is not part of the measurement of the
four cups of L’Chaim.
7) The restrictions stand all year, with no exceptions, including Simchas Torah.
8) The restrictions also apply in full force also to a wedding, even though it is a Mitzvah
to be joyous there.
9) The permissibility to drink (even only four L’Chaims) is not at all times, [rather] only
within ‘Joy of a Mitzvah’ (and on condition that [if] there is no other way to create
the Simcha).
10) In a case of doubt, it is obvious that one should be stringent and not drink. [And
should ask their Mashpia]
11) In regards to the Mitzvah in drinking a Revi’is of wine on Yom Tov, it is possible to
fulfil one’s obligation in drinking the wine of Kiddush.
The Consequences of [breaking] the Decree
Various statements of the Rebbe
1) The Rebbe requested that those [Note: Bochurim, apparently] who do not guard the
decree should not take part in ‘Tahaluchah’ and should not travel to Merkos Shlichus
during summer.
2) “It is irrelevant all the ‘answers’ and excuses that are replied, that there are greater
things that he doesn’t obey [etc.], [they] need to know that this is not a small
matter, the opposite [is true], this is able to be the ‘testing stone’ (הבוחן אבן (if
[they] are grasping the ‘קליאמקע) ‘doorknob) or not” [Note: This is an expression
used in regards to ‘Hiskashrus’ (connection to a Rebbe). In other words, if one were
to break the decree, G-d forbid, it would be questionable whether or not they are
chassidim at all]
3) “The [so-called] permissions are completely not accepted” and specifically that this
is “opposite the intention and the will completely of our Rebbes” and if so “why is
there a need to push to do opposite the will of our Rebbes?” And there are those
that “think to be ‘Shpitz Chabad’ when they know that this way is against the
directives of the Previous Rebbe.”
4) The Rebbe once said that drinking too much destroys the work of Mivtzoyim. “…
and when they will know that he is a Chabadnik behold he disgraces (ממאיס the
whole Chabad!”) “What the [in his] mind [he] thinks that [he] is raising [his] Nefesh HaElokis (G-dly
soul) on top of his Nefesh HaBehamis (animalistic soul) - behold it is the desire and
temptation to the contrary” [i.e. the Nefesh HaBehamis above the Nefesh HaElokis].
