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Why do we fast on the Fast of Esther?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

Library » Holidays » Purim » Fast of Esther | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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There are two opinions as to the origin of this fast:

1) On Haman's pocket-calendar, the 13th of Adar was circled in red. This was the day when the Final Solution would be implemented. However, Haman was hanged, Mordechai was named prime minister, and by royal decree, the Jews organize in self-defense. They successfully defend themselves against all the attacks, and even manage to eliminate thousands of their enemies. The next day, the 14th of Adar, the Jews rest, savor their miraculous salvation, and establish the holiday of Purim.

it is a day to reflect and realize that whenever we are in need, G-d is there to help
Whenever we are in peril we are commanded to designate a fast day; a day of repentance and prayer. Therefore, the 13th of Adar, the day of battle, was certainly a day of fasting. Thus the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim, is Ta’anit Esther (the Fast of Esther) -- Avudraham (a 14th century Spanish scholar),

2) According to Maimonides, this fast commemorates the three-day fast that Esther requested the Jews to undertake before her meeting with the king.

For a discussion about this debate read "Timeless Patterns in Time."

Everyone agrees that this fast is different than other fast days for it was not instituted to commemorate a tragedy. Rather it is a day to reflect and realize that whenever we are in need, G-d is there to help. He is merely waiting for us to pray and repent.


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Maimonides
Moses son of Maimon, born in Spain in 1135, died in Egypt in 1204. Noted philosopher and authority on Jewish law. Also was an accomplished physician and was the personal doctor for members of the Egyptian royalty. Interred in Tiberius, Israel.
Purim
A one-day holiday celebrated in late winter commemorating the miraculous deliverance of the Jewish people from a decree of annihilation issued by Persian King Ahasuerus in the year 356 BCE.
Haman
Descendant of anti-Semitic tribe of Amalek and prime minister of the Persian Empire in the 5th century b.c.e. Schemed to annihilate all the Jews, and the holiday of Purim was established when the plot was foiled.
Esther
1. Jewish wife of Persian King Ahasuerus in the 4th century BCE. Foiled the plot of Haman, the prime minister, to exterminate all the Jews. The holiday of Purim commemorates this miraculous salvation. 2. One of the 24 Books of the Bible, which chronicles the abovementioned story.
Mordechai
Cousin of Queen Esther, and Jewish leader in the 4th century BCE. Played a large role in saving the Jews after Haman, the Persian prime minister, plotted to exterminate them all. The holiday of Purim was established to commemorate this miracle.
Adar
The twelfth month on the Jewish calendar. This month (which falls out approx. February-March), is the most joyous month on the calendar due to the holiday of Purim which is on the 14th and 15th of this month.
Fast of Esther
The fast commemorates the fasts which the Jews fasted during the perilous times of the Purim story. Observed on the day before Purim, the 13th of Adar (unless that date falls out on the Sabbath).
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.