Monday, 13 Adar, March 2
The 13th of Adar is usually the day of the Fast of Esther. This fast commemorates the fact that the Jewish people fasted on this day while they battled their enemies in ancient Persia. It also recalls the three-day fast that Esther fasted before going in to see the king and plead for the Jewish people. In addition, by fasting we subjugate the Satan and prevent him from accusing the Jewish people for eating, drinking and making merry in excess on Purim.
- The fast begins at dawn and ends when the stars come out. It’s proper not to break one’s fast until after the reading of the Megillah.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers do not have to fast on this day.
- Similarly, one who is sick need not fast.
- One who must take medication may swallow it (with a small amount of water if necessary). It is still considered that they are fasting.
- This day is an opportune time for one’s prayers to be answered. It is recommended to say Psalm 22 (this is printed in some siddurim) and ask G-d to answer his prayers in the merit of Mordechai and Esther.
Fast Times:
- Miami Begins: 5:31 am Ends: 6:46 pm
- New York Begins: 5:03 am Ends: 6:16 pm
- Los Angeles Begins: 5:02 am Ends: 6:16 pm
- Jerusalem, Israel Begins: 4:49 am Ends: 6:03 pm
- Melbourne, Australia Begins: 5:39 am Ends: 7:59 pm
- If one wishes to wake up early and eat before the fast begins, one must stipulate this before going to sleep.
- Ashkenazim should refrain from rinsing their mouth with water once the fast begins. If this is uncomfortable, one may brush one’s teeth (with toothpaste, if desired) and rinse one’s mouth with mouthwash afterwards. Sefardim may brush their teeth as usual but should make sure not to rinse with a revi’it of water (about 3 ozs.) at once.
Shacharit
The morning service includes Selichot (petitionary prayers added for fast days) and Avinu Malkeinu. The order after the Amidah is: Tachnun, Vehu Rachum (added on Mondays and Thursdays) Selichot, Avinu Malkeinu, Va’anachnu lo Neida, and the Torah reading for a fast day. Preferably, only one who is fasting should be called up for an aliyah. One who is not fasting may be honored with Hagbah or Gelilah (lifting and wrapping the Torah).
