Obligation of Intoxication on Purim
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Question
Is it permitted or required to become intoxicated on Purim?
Answer
For Ashkenazim, it is not required to become intoxicated on Purim.
Even for Sephardim, who are required to become intoxicated on Purim, it is not required if it would result in missing any blessing, prayer, or commandment from the Torah.
Source
The Rema wrote that it is not necessary to become so intoxicated, but rather to drink more than usual and sleep. The Mishnah Berurah there, s.k. 5, also writes that this is the proper way to act. From the Rema's wording that it is not necessary, it implies that one may become intoxicated but it is not required. However, in 'Azmera Leshimcha Purim' it is explained that from the sources of the Rema's words in 'Derech Moshe Aroch' it appears that one should not become intoxicated, and so wrote the P'ri Chadash and Magen Giborim, Siman 695, M'shabz 2 and AHS there, s. 5.