B"H
Thursday, Adar2- 11, 5784 / March 21, 2024
Today (Thursday) is a fast day, called, "Taanit Esther" - "Fast of Esther."
Usually, the Fast of Esther is the day before Purim. However, this year being that Purim is on Sunday and on Shabbat, the day before Purim, it is prohibited to fast, so we fast the Thursday before.
There are various opinions as to the origin of this fast. In the Megillah we read that before approaching the King on behalf of her people, Esther tells Mordechai to proclaim a three day fast for 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 Nissan, we commemorate Esther's fast before Purim.
Another opinion is that the Megillah 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. Taanit Esther, recalls the fast and prayers of the Jewish people at the time of Mordechai and Esther.
Today (Thursday), before the Mincha prayer, we observe the mitzvah of, "Machtzit HaShekel," giving the "half Shekel." We give three half-dollar coins (or whichever coin is half of the local currency). The money is then distributed to charity. Every synagogue usually has a special plate or box for this purpose. Three half dollars are put out and each one picks them up (some pick them up three times) and then leaves a contribution for the charity.
Being that it is a fast day, we also read from the Torah at the Mincha service.
Q. Why, when Purim falls on Sunday, do we fast on Thursday not on Friday?
A. We do not fast on Fridays so as not to enter the holy day of Shabbat after a fast. It is not respectful for the holy day of Shabbat to enter it in a state of weakness. Thus, instead of fasting on Friday, we fast on Thursday.
Q. Can Purim fall on Shabbat?
A. No. Our sages set the calendar in such a way that Purim will not fall on Shabbat so as not to restrict us from being able to perform the special mitzvot of Purim, such as the reading of the Megillah and the distribution of gifts (Mishloach Manot) and giving charity to the poor.
Q. Why is there so much noise making when mentioning Haman’s name in the Megillah?
A. The Torah commands us to “Erase the remembrance of Amalek.” Haman, who plotted to kill all the Jews, descended from Amalek. Thus, when mentioning Haman’s name, we make noise to symbolize erasing the name of Amalek. May G-d erase the names of the present-day Amaleks. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, HAPPY DAY & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.