This article is an excerpt from our Sefer

Buy me on Amazon.com

One who is injured or whose property is damaged due to the festivities: [1]

Some opinions[2] rule that if one caused damage to his friend as a result of the rejoicing of Purim he is exempt from paying for the damages.[3] Some opinions[4] however rule that this only applies to property damage, however regarding bodily damage the person who caused the injury must pay. Others[5] rule he is exempt from even bodily damage. Others[6] rule that by a large financial loss one is liable to pay, while by small damage he is exempt. Practically the matter is to be judged in a Beis Din and dealt with in accordance to their ruling.[7] All the above is with regards to one who injured another, or damaged his property, as a result of the rejoicing of Purim. If however he intended to cause damage or bodily harm then he is liable for all damages.[8] [According to all one must ask the victim for forgiveness after Purim even if he is exempt from payment.[9]]

Avoiding embarrassing or offending any Jew:[10]

Although there is an obligation to drink until “Ad Delo Yada” nevertheless one must beware that it does not negate any Mitzvah in the Torah, and one must thus be careful not to offend or shame any Jew. Certainly one may not speak any words of Lashon Hara which is compared to the three severe cardinal sins.  

Q&A

If one caused damage while drunk on Purim is he liable for damages?

Some Poskim[11] rule that if one caused damage due to his drunken state he must pay for all damages done while he is even if it occurred by the Purim feast.

If one offended someone while he was drunk must he ask for forgiveness?[12]

Yes. There is no allowance to embarrass, shame or offend someone due to the joy of Purim.