Fast of Estherתַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר

The Book of Esther relates that Esther asked Mordecai to gather the Jews in Shushan and fast for her for three days before she went before the king. The book also mentions "the matters of the fasts and their lamentation" when Purim was established.^1,2

The fast of 13 Adar appears explicitly only in Geonic and early medieval literature. According to the narrative, Esther's biblical fast took place in Nisan, not Adar; according to tradition, 13 Adar became associated with the fast because on that day the Jews fasted before battle.

The fast expresses that the deliverance of Purim was not a matter of course: it was preceded by prayer, repentance and courage. It is therefore seen as a preparation for the joy of the festival.

A minor fast from dawn until nightfall. Halakhic authorities regard it as more lenient than the other public fasts, so pregnant and nursing women, the sick and, in some cases, a bride in the week after her wedding do not fast.⁵

If Purim falls on a Sunday, the fast is moved earlier to Thursday, because on Friday it would hinder preparations for Shabbat, and there is no fasting on Shabbat.⁵

Anenu, selichot, Avinu Malkeinu (on ordinary days) and the reading of Exodus 32 and 34 at the afternoon prayer. In the evening Purim begins and the Megillah is read.⁶

The symbol of the day is the half shekel, a reminder of the Temple tax and of mutual responsibility.

In the evening the fast is broken only after the reading of the Megillah; there are no established foods for the fast itself, and the festive meal takes place on Purim.

Before Queen Esther went to the king to plead for the rescue of her people, she fasted and prayed. That is why adults do not eat on the day before Purim. In the evening the merry festival with costumes begins.