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Shabbat binge-drinkers are Charedi problem

March 10, 2016 11:33

By

Josh Jackman,

Josh Jackman

1 min read

Binge-drinking on Shabbat and children's fitness are two of the main concerns raised by a health survey of more than 500 Salford Charedim.

The NHS-funded study of 300 adults and 207 children also revealed a majority view that mental illness carries a stigma within the strictly Orthodox population.

Based on the survey results, one-in-eight adults "might be classed as 'binge-drinkers' on the Sabbath", with respondents admitting to drinking "several shots".

Local Jewish Care Forum chair Jonny Wineberg, who ran the survey with psychologist Dr Sandi Mann, said the numbers tallied with anecdotal evidence from the 7,500-strong Salford community. "Anyone binge-drinking is worrying, in terms of their own health. It's not a clever thing to do," he said.