Primary prevention of excessive drinking and the Jewish culture-Preventive efforts in Israel 1984-1985.

Judaism is permissive in matters concerning alcohol use. Alcohol is freely available in Israel and its ritual consumption is encouraged. Despite the fact, that hedonistic drinking is prohibited by the Jewish religion, drinking, which symbolizes social unity, self-centered needs, or adoption of foreign norms, is spreading within the Israeli society. The magnitude of excessive drinking, drunkenness, road accidents, social and health damage increases annually.This article explores a model that underlies the primary prevention of excessive drinking among the Jewish population in Israel. In addition, the main efforts in the framework of primary prevention which have been adopted on a national scale are presented.