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There are two primary understandings of the mitzva to drink. Some say it means we should drink more than our norm, becoming happy and tipsy. However, we should not get so drunk that we are likely to behave in an undignified manner. Others maintain the mitzva is truly to get drunk, even if the result is undignified and perhaps even somewhat embarrassing. However, if one feels one might embarrass oneself greatly or transgress any halakhic prohibition, one should not get drunk. In practice, people need to choose for themselves the way that will best allow them to drink and rejoice for the sake of heaven.
Women also have a mitzva to rejoice and so they too should drink more happiness-inducing wine than their norm. However, they should not get drunk, as getting drunk is more degrading for women than for men.
