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Taanit (Fast of) Esther is a Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 13 Adar-the day before Purim-(in February or March). It is a day-fast that commemorates the three-day fast of Esther, Mordechai, and all of Klal Yisrael as described in the book of Esther. It is celebrated by fasting, giving to the poor, prayer, and reading the Book of Esther (Megillah Esther). Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sundown. This is one of the public fast days (the others being Tzom Gedaliah, Shiva Asarah B'Tammuz, and Asarah B'Tevet). If the Fast of Esther falls on Shabbos, the fast is observed the preceeding Thursday. Eating and drinking are not permitted.
As you look around the world today at what is happening to the Jewish people, ask yourself - "Would I have Queen Esther's courage?" Esther was a prisoner in the king's household and was favored among all his wives and concubines. Yet, even with a promise of great riches and ease of life, Esther never forgot about her people. Would you be able to say the same?
As we Jews - especially in the Diaspora - gain our riches and settle into our ease of life we all tend to forget about our people. We must remember that there are Jews throughout the world who are not as fortunate - who are being oppressed. Like Esther, we must not forget our people. We must not become settled in our comfortable daily lives and forget the oppression of our people.
As you fast, remember your people and pray for their deliverance from oppression.
Purim (which means lots) is a Rabbinic celebration that occurs on 14 Adar (in February or March). Purim is one-day holiday that celebrates the victory of Esther and Mordechai over the evil Haman who plotted to kill the Jews as described in the Book of Esther. The primary mitzvot of Purim is to hear the reading of the Megillah 3 (Book of Esther). It is customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle gragers (noisemakers; see illustration) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned in the service. The purpose of this custom is to blot out the name of Haman. We are also commanded to eat, drink and be merry. According to the Talmud, a person is required to drink until he cannot tell the difference between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai. In addition, we are commanded to send out gifts of food or drink, and to make gifts to charity. The sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (sending out portions). Among Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is hamentaschen (Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are supposed to represent Haman's three-cornered hat. It is customary to hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim and to perform plays and parodies.
Queen Esther and her Uncle Mordechai are true Jewish heroes. Neither gave up in the face of oppression and the plan of Haman to have every Jew murdered. We Jews need to never forget our oppression at the hands of others but neither must we forget our deliverance and courage in the face of that oppression.
Purim is a celebration of freedom from oppression and victory in the face of defeat. As the terrorists in the Middle East continue their reign of terror we must never forget that we are a strong people and we can overcome mountainous obstacles. Esther and Mordechai used their faith in G-d, their own intelligence and wit, and their faith in their fellow Jews to overcome Haman's disastrous plan of mass murder. We must use these strengths again to defeat the terrorists who are continuing their mass murder in Israel. We can overcome these murderous actions and defeat the terrorists!
As you celebrate Purim, remember that oppression does not mean defeat. |
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