Fast of Esther
Quick Summary
The Fast of Esther is a Jewish fast day observed the day before Purim. This observance commemorates a fast proclaimed by Queen Esther in the Book of Esther of the Hebrew Bible.12
Esther, a Jewish woman and wife of Persian King Ahasuerus, along with her cousin Mordecai, convinced the king to revoke an order for the extermination of Jews in his realm, which was plotted by the king's minister, Haman. The Book of Esther recounts how Esther, after concealing her Jewish heritage, ultimately revealed it to save her people from annihilation. The festival of Purim celebrates this victory, and the Fast of Esther on the 13th of Adar honors the fast observed by Mordecai and other Jews on Esther's behalf.2
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JudaismThe five fastsTaʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther), which commemorates Esther’s fast (compare Esther 4:16), is first mentioned in gaonic literature. The commemorative aspects of the fasts are closely associated with their penitential aspects, all of which find expression in the liturgy. Thus, Jews not only relive the tragic history…
Read MoreTaʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther), which commemorates Esther’s fast (compare Esther 4:16), is first mentioned in gaonic literature. The commemorative aspects of the fasts are closely associated with their penitential aspects, all of which find expression in the liturgy. Thus, Jews not only relive the tragic history…
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Jewish religious yearThe five fastsTaʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther) occurs on the day prior to Purim to commemorate Esther’s fast (Esther 4:16) and is first mentioned as a holiday in gaonic literature.
Read MoreTaʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther) occurs on the day prior to Purim to commemorate Esther’s fast (Esther 4:16) and is first mentioned as a holiday in gaonic literature.
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PurimFestivities and foods…a day of fasting, called Taʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther), on Adar 13, the day preceding the primary holiday. The sages of the Talmud listed four mitzvot (“commandments”) to be observed on the day: (1) hearing the recitation of the Book of Esther, (2) giving donations to the poor, (3)…
Read More…a day of fasting, called Taʿanit Esther (Fast of Esther), on Adar 13, the day preceding the primary holiday. The sages of the Talmud listed four mitzvot (“commandments”) to be observed on the day: (1) hearing the recitation of the Book of Esther, (2) giving donations to the poor, (3)…
Read More