B"H
Wednesday, Adar 13, 5778 / February 28, 2018
Today, the 13th of Adar, is known as "Taanit Esther" - "Esther’s fast."
There are various opinions as to the origin of this fast. In the Megilah we read that before approaching the King of behalf of her people, Esther tells Mordechai to proclaim a three day fastfor all Jews in the capital city, Shushan. That fast took place during the holiday of Pesach (Passover) in the month of Nissan. Being that we refrain from fasting during the month of Nissan, we commemorate Esther's fast the day before Purim.
Other sages are of a different opinion as to the origin of this fast. The Megilah tells us that on the 13th of Adar the Jewish people battled their enemies. Traditionally, when Jews had to fight a war they would fast and pray to G-d for His help. Today’s fast, Taanit Esther, on the 13th of Adar recalls the fast of the Jewish people and their prayers on the day they fought their enemies.
This fast is more lenient than other fasts and can be avoided for those whom it is difficult to fast.
Today, at the Mincha prayer, we perform the mitzvah of "Machtzit HaShekel," giving the "half Shekel" to charity. This custom originated over three thousand years ago when the Jewish people gave toward the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and towards the sacrifices. It is customary to give three half-dollar coins (or whichever coin is half of the local currency). The money is then distributed to charity or the poor.
Tonight (Wednesday), immediately after the evening service, we read the Megilah.
Everyone -- men, women and children-- should attend synagogue to hear the Megilah reading. According to Halacha (Torah law), one must not miss even one word of the Megilah.
A reminder again of the five mitzvot which we perform on Purim:
1) Hear the reading of Megilat EstherWednesday night and Thursday. If one cannot attend Synagogue for the Megilah they should make arrangements for it to be read at their home or office.
2) Reciting the Al HaNisim- A prayer of thanks to Hashem for the miracle of Purim. It is recited during the three Amidah prayers and in the Grace-after-Meals Wednesday night & Thursday.
3) Mishloach Manot- Sending a minimum of two edible foods to at least one friend on Thursday.
4) Matanot LaEvyonim- gifts or charity to the poor on Thursday.
5) Seudat Purim- Eat a festive Purim meal on Thursday in celebration of this great miracle. Drink a Lechayimor two on Purim, to commemorate the victory of life over death and good over evil.
Happy Purim! Happy Purim! Happy Purim!