The United Synagogue

Fast of Esther

The day is observed in commemoration of the three-day fast observed by Mordechai and Esther and all of Jews. On that very day, Haman, the Jew's enemy, had planned to destroy them. However, he did not succeed.

What are the customs of Taanit Esther?
The fast
Since the Fast of Esther is not one of the major four fast days it is observed with an air of leniency. People who would generally not fast, those being of a weak health or pregnant mothers, do not have to fast on this day.

If the 13th of Adar falls on the Sabbath, the fast is observed the Thursday before, which is in fact the 11th of Adar.

The half shekel
On the 13th of Adar during Minchah, it is customary to give some money that is equivalent in value to the half shekel. The money is given to the poor to do with it as they wish. This contribution is made in memory of the half shekel given by Israel when the Temple still stood. It also reminds us that we are only half a people, like the half shekel, and that we need God to complete us