Ta'anit Esther

Ta'anit Esther

by: Natan Kaziev

The 13th of Adar has become a traditional national fast day amongst all Jewish communities, known as the Fast of Esther. The fast begins at dawn and commences at nightfall. Customarily we only begin to eat after the Megillah reading. Numerous interpretations are offered by various commentators as to why we fast.

The Rambam1 states that the fast is to commemorate the days of fasting in the times of Esther (this is the three days the Jews fasted before Haman's demise; 14th-16th of Nissan2). We can add that it's named the Fast of Esther probably because Esther administered these three days of fasting (see Megillat Esther 4:15,16).

However, many commentators question the previous approach, because if that is the case, then why do we fast on the 13th of Adar when the Jews fasted from the 14th to the 16th of Nissan2. The Rosh3, and others4 therefore explain that we fast on the 13th of Adar because it was the day the Jews went out to war. Presumably, they fasted on that day to appeal for compassion from above. This concept is derived from Moshe, Aharon, and Chur, who fasted when Yehoshua galvanized an army to fight Amalek5.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe Zt”l6 raised the following questions: if all Jews fasted, why is it called the fast of "Esther"? Also, according to the Shulkhan Aruch7, if Jews are surrounded by an army, they cannot fast and endanger their lives. They should commit to a fast after achieving victory. Therefore he suggests that the only person who fasted on that day was Esther who was not at war, hence the association with Esther's name.

The Raavad8 offers a different explanation unrelated to the Purim story. He writes that a practical reason for the fast is to encourage people to be prompt in hearing the Megillah reading. If people were allowed to eat and drink, they might become distracted and miss the reading.

Quoting Maggid Mesharim, the Kav Hayashar9 suggests that since Purim is a time of heightened frivolity, we may be prone to sin. Therefore, we fast beforehand as a protective measure against sin and to diminish the power of Satan to prosecute against us.

When the 13th of Adar falls on Shabbat, we move the fast back to Thursday, the 11th of Adar10. This deviates from the usual practice of rescheduling fasts to Sunday. The Maggid Mishne11 explains that practically, we cannot postpone the fast to Sunday because Sunday is Purim, a day of feasting. Another explanation is offered12, suggesting that other fasts commemorate tragedies, and we avoid bringing tragedies sooner. However, the Fast of Esther celebrates victory and is a joyful occasion, so it is brought forward. However, we avoid Friday due to lengthy supplications, which would hinder adequate Shabbat preparations. Hence, the fast is moved to Thursday13.

Unlike other fasts that commemorate tragic events, Taanit Esther commemorates our victory over enemies. Therefore, we are permitted to engage in activities such as getting married, listening to music, bathing, and getting haircuts14.

Segulah

The Kav Hayashar15 suggests that on Taanit Esther, a person in need should recite Tehillim 22, which contains allusions to Purim, and then offer a heartfelt prayer to Hashem. One should mention the merits of Mordechai and Esther in these prayers. Doing so is a segulah to have one's prayers answered. 

Sources:

1] (Hilchos Taaniyos 5:5),  2] This is acc. Rashi to Megillah (some say the fasting was 13th-15th)  3] Megillah 1:1,  4] See M”B 686:2,  5] Meiri, megillah 2a quoting midrash,  6] Likkutei Sichot Vol.6 pg. 37,  7] O”C 571:3,  8] Sefer Ha’eshkol, Ta’aniyot,  9] Chp. 97,  10] S”A O”C 686:2,  11] Hilchot Ta’aniyot 5:5,  12] She’iltot 67, Magen Avot (Inyan 23), 13] Rosh, Megillah 1:1,  14] see Maayan Omer 3, page 259 and Piskei Teshuvot page 833.  15] Chp. 97