B"H

Wednesday, Adar2 13, 5782 / March 16, 2022

Today (Wednesday), the day before Purim, is called, "Taanit Esther" - "The Fast of Esther."

Q.What is the reason for this fast?

A.There are various opinions as to the reason for this fast. The Megilah records that before approaching the King on behalf of her people, Esther asks Mordechai to proclaim a three day fastfor all Jews in the Capital City of Shushan. Many Rabbis are of the opinion that this fast commemorates the fast which Esther proclaimed. Hence, it is called, “Taanit Esther - The Fast of Esther.”

Other sages give another reason: Traditionally, when Jews had to fight a war they would fast and pray to G-d for His help. Today’s fast, Taanit Esther, recalls the fast of the Jewish people on the day they fought their enemies, which was the day before Purim.

In either case, this fast is much more lenient than any of the other fasts of the years and can be avoided for whom it is difficult to fast.

Today, at the Mincha prayer, we perform the mitzvah of giving the Half Shekel, remembering the "Machtzit HaShekel," given during the times of the Holy Temple.

Before the Mincha service, one will find “charity plates” in synagogue, in which to perform this mitzvah by giving three half dollars (or whatever currency in that country), or the equivalent sum.  It is preferable to give for all members of the family.  The money is then distributed for charity.

If one cannot perform the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel today, they can do it on Purim when they go to synagogue to hear the Megilah. If one cannot perform this mitzvah in Synagogue, they can do it at home placing the sum in a charity box.

REMEMBER:The following five mitzvot which are associated with Purim:

1) Hearing the reading of the MegilahPurim night (Wednesday night) & again on Thursday morning. Everyone must hear the reading of the Megilah.

2)  Reciting the Al HaNisim in prayer & Grace-after-Meal.

3)  Mishloach Manot - sending two kosher ready to eat food gifts to a friend.  

4)  Matanot LaEvyonim – giving charity to at least two needy people on Purim day (Thursday).

5)  Seudat Purim - Purim meal - during the day of Purim (Thursday),as befitting the celebration of this great miracle.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & A HAPPY PURIM