Fast of Esther in Israel

The Festivals and Events in Israel owe their origin to ancient episodes mentioned in the Bible or in events that have shaped the course of Jewish history. As the country observes a string of events through the year, the Jewish calendar is dotted with festivals of varied flavors. Be it a somber fast of an occasion for merriment, the Jewish community celebrates each event with an equal enthusiasm. Fasts are an intrinsic part of the Jewish festivals as the community considers fasting to be a way of delving into the spiritual self.

Fast of Esther in Israel is one of the several fasts which the country observes throughout the year. Held in March each year, the Fast of Esther in Israel is a day for continuing a tradition which the Jews had been carrying on down the generations. The fast recounts a tale which dates back centuries when Esther and Mordechai held a fast before a decisive war against Amalek. The war resulted in the victory of the Jews, which the community attributes to the divine mercy. As Esther and the innumerable Jews of Shushan fasted for three days and nights, they manifested that victory in war results not from martial strength, but from a power which seeps down from God himself. The fast of Esther at Israel is today an event to recount the benevolence of God who had answered the prayers of the Jews in crisis. On the 13th day of Adar each year, the Jewish community across the globe fasts for a day to preserve a process which has been continuing down the centuries.

The Fast of Esther of Israel is one of the minor fasts in the country, and therefore, not a public holiday. The event is nevertheless observed by the country with sincerity as the Jewish community fasts from dawn to dusk. As the Fats of Esther is not mentioned in the Prophetic Writings, the rituals for it are more lenient when compared to the other fasts, where there are restrictions on indulging in any kind of luxury as well.