Laws and Customs: Adar, Taanit Esther & Purim (for Jerusalem)
According to Shulchan Aruch Harav, Mishna Berurah and Nittei Gavriel
All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com
Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets
Reviewed by Reb Elimelech Rabinowicz שליט"א, Rav of Tzeirei Kehal Chassidim, Shaarei Chessed
Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents
ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ
ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל
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MONTH OF ADAR
Some say it is a big Segula to fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar and to say the whole Tehillim.
משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה - When Adar Begins we increase our joy. We increase our joy throughout the month of Adar, some say to increase the joy throughout Nissan too.
Some have the custom to hang up a sign of משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה.
7TH ADAR - באדר 'ז (TUESDAY 24/2/26)
7th Adar is the fast day for Tzadikim and most say Tachanun, however some have the custom not to.
There are those who are particular if possible not to make a wedding on 7th Adar, due to it being the fast day for the Tzadikim as well as being the Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabeinu.
Some have the custom to fast as well as to try to learn and do Mitzvot in memory of Moshe Rabeinu.
Most Chevra Kadishot have the custom to fast and go to graves of Tzadikim and to ask forgiveness from the dead in case they didn't handle the person with respect when burying, some also say Selichot.
In some communities, the Rabbi would give a Dvar Torah in memory of Moshe Rabeinu as well as other rabbis and Tzadikim who died during the year.
Some have the custom that a child who is born on 7th Adar should not be named Moshe after Moshe Rabeinu.
PURIM PREPARATIONS
An inspiring Purim is the product of diligent preparation. In the days prior to Purim, one should review the Halachot of Purim.
TAANIT ESTHER (MONDAY 2/3/2026)
Taanit Esther is not one of the four public fasts instituted by the Nevi’im, and is generally more lenient. One should not presume that the leniencies outlined below automatically apply to other fasts. Therefore, a Chattan and Kallah during the week of Sheva Brachot need not fast. Pregnant mothers, nursing mothers and anyone considerably weakened by illness or advanced age need not fast. [One should not be unduly strict in this regard.] Mothers who have difficulty fasting while tending to their young children should consult with a Rav.
When a Brit occurs on Taanit Esther, the Baalei Habrit (i.e. the Mohel, the Sandak, and the father of the baby) need not fast. However, all other attendees must fast. Therefore, the Seudah takes place at night, after the fast.
Aside from the exceptions enumerated above, all healthy adults must observe Taanit Esther scrupulously. If one inadvertently ate during the fast, one must immediately resume fasting.
