Fast of Esther
March 13, Thursday
History of the celebration
The Esther Fast is based on the events in the Book of Esther, when Queen Esther fasted and prayed for three days to intervene against the evil plan of Haman, who wanted to destroy all the Jews in Persia. Esther asked King Ahasuerus to annul the decree of genocide against the Jews. Her actions led to the salvation of the Jewish people. The Esther Fast serves as a reminder of these events.
How is the Esther Fast celebrated?
The Esther Fast is a day of fasting and prayer observed on the eve of Purim. On this day, Jews refrain from eating and drinking for 24 hours, from morning until evening. Special prayers are recited, and passages from the Torah are read.
The Esther Fast is also a day for Jews to express their gratitude for the salvation of their people, remembering how Esther's intervention saved them from destruction. Purim, which follows the Esther Fast, is a more festive celebration of the liberation of the Jews, but the Esther Fast offers an opportunity to focus on repentance and spiritual purification.
What does the Esther Fast symbolize?
The Esther Fast symbolizes purification and prayer. It is a time for Jews to reflect on their behavior, pray for salvation and forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with God through fasting and prayer. The Esther Fast also reminds us of the importance of personal sacrifice for others and how the faith and actions of one person can change the fate of an entire people.
How is the Esther Fast observed?
Observing the Esther Fast involves several key elements:
- Fasting: Refraining from eating and drinking for 24 hours.
- Prayer: Prayers are recited throughout the day, including special readings from the Torah concerning the story of Esther.
- Reading the Book of Esther: In synagogues, the entire Book of Esther is read to remember the events that led to the salvation of the Jewish people.
The significance of the Esther Fast
The Esther Fast reminds Jews of the importance of faith, prayer, and personal sacrifice. It is a day for Jews to express their gratitude for the protection and salvation of their people while purifying themselves spiritually through fasting and prayer. The Esther Fast also helps keep alive the memory of the events in the ancient Persian Empire and strengthens the connection to the history and culture of the Jewish people.