Esther is a name associated with the Jewish holiday of Purim, celebrated on March 6th, honoring the heroine who helped save the Jewish people.
Ta’anit Esther, 6th of March, is a Jewish fast day that falls on the 13th of the month of Adar in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the three-day fast that the Jewish people undertook before Queen Esther approached King Ahasuerus to request that he spare the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman, who had been granted authority by the King to exterminate the Jews. The fast day is an important part of the Purim holiday, which takes place on the following day.
History of Ta’anit Esther:
According to Jewish tradition, Ta’anit Esther is observed in memory of the three-day fast that Queen Esther and the Jewish people undertook before she approached King Ahasuerus to plead for the survival of her people. The fast was a time of intense prayer and repentance, as the Jewish people sought to gain favor from God and to be saved from the danger that threatened them.
Observance of Ta’anit Esther:
The observance of Ta’anit Esther is marked by fasting from dawn until nightfall. The fast is an expression of sorrow for the plight of the Jewish people and a sign of their deep commitment to their faith. It is also a time of prayer, as Jews around the world gather in synagogues to recite special prayers and to read from the Book of Esther, which tells the story of how the Jewish people were saved from destruction.
In addition to the fast, there are several other customs and practices associated with Ta’anit Esther. One of the most important is the reading of the Book of Esther, which takes place in synagogues on the evening of the fast. The reading is accompanied by special prayers and songs, and it is customary for the congregation to make noise whenever the name of Haman is mentioned, to symbolize their rejection of evil and their commitment to good.
Ta’anit Esther is an important Jewish holiday that serves as a reminder of the power of faith, prayer, and community in times of danger and adversity. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and commitment to the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness that are central to Jewish tradition. By observing the fast and participating in the prayers and customs associated with Ta’anit Esther, Jews around the world reaffirm their connection to their faith and their commitment to the well-being of their community.
