Ta'anit Esther, the Fast of Esther is established in the Book of Esther: These days of Purim shall be observed . . . just as they have assumed for themselves and their descendants the obligation of the fasts with their lamentations. Esther 9:31. The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text, Third Section, The Jewish Publication Society of America, Philadelphia, 1982. Crayon on cardstock; edited on IrfanView.
The fast is held on Adar 13, the day before Purim, during the day from dawn until dusk, unlike the Yom Kippur fast which is from dusk to dusk. If Adar 13 falls on Shabbat, the fast is observed on the Thursday before Purim. I just learned that this fast is not a commemoration of Esther's three-day fast. If you want the details about the fast day and other customs associated with the day, visit the Jewish Virtual Library. In contrast, Ritualwell.org provides a contemporary spin on Ta'anit Esther.A final thought. Today is the fifth anniversary of the War in Iraq. In the biblical times, soldiers fasted on the day before a battle in recognition of their real source of power. Perhaps tomorrow's fast could be dedicated to an end of this endless war that sucks the soul out of our nation.
The noisemaker picture? Just because. Another version of this image was first posted on Feb 26.
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