[REPOSTED UPON REQUEST OF DR. COHEN] The following letter submitted to TLS is an open letter from Dr. Reuven Shanik, and Dr. Jonathan I. Cohen, addressing the several safety concerns they say need to be addressed before Purim:Drinking of alcoholic beverages constitutes major public health risks.How is it possible that consuming large amounts of alcohol for teenagers and young adults cannot have deleterious effects? In addition to the negative effects of alcohol on the brain, liver and other organs, drinking also contributes to many unsafe behaviors. Each year we hear of young men walking in the middle of the street late at night. Is it necessary to rely on a miracle to make it through another Purim without a disaster?

We would like to suggest guidelines, which may help to produce a safer environment.

Parents: Please secure your alcohol. Do not send your sons collecting with a supply which you have given them. Call your sons Rebbi or Menahel. Stress to them that they have responsibility for your son’s safety. Do not serve other young men alcohol when they come to collect.

Rebbeim and Menahalim: Remember that you are responsible for these young men. If something should happen to one of your talmidim, i.e. should he get sick, have an accident or worse, you may be legally responsible.

Baal Habattim: When you serve alcohol to minors, anything which may happen after that is your responsibility. For instance, if one of these young man should leave your house and become injured or fall ill this may legally become your responsibility. You may be culpable and liable to lose much more than you can imagine.

We beg you to help keep Lakewood safe. Help to keep our children safe. Help to keep yourselves safe. Avoid unnecessary tragedy and potential legal and/or financial issues if such a tragedy should occur.

Thank you. Wishing you a meaningful and safe Purim.

Jonathan Cohen, MD Reuven Shanik, MD.