TA’ANIT ESTHER
תענית אסתר« Before the joy of Purim, prayer. »
Next occurrenceFrom the evening of Sunday 21 March 2027 until Monday 22 March 2027 · In 145 days
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Calendar: choose your city to determine the Israel or Diaspora context.
The essentials
In brief
The Fast of Esther precedes Purim: it recalls the fasting and the prayers of the people in the days of the Megilla.
It is a fast from dawn until nightfall.
It is not part of the fasts linked to the destruction of the Temple.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TA’ANIT ESTHER ↓
WHAT THIS DAY REMEMBERS
The Megilla reports that Esther asked the people to fast before she presented herself before the king.
Later it also mentions the fasts and supplications associated with these events.
References: Esther 4:16; Esther 9:31.
ITS PLACE AMONG THE FASTS
This fast is bound to Purim and its account: it is distinct from the four fasts connected with the destruction of the Temple.
Its date can be moved when the eve of Purim falls on Shabbat; the halakhic authorities address this explicitly.
Marker: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 686.
THE ESSENTIAL IDEA
The deliverance of Purim did not begin with a celebration, but with a fast and a shared prayer.
The joy of the next day keeps the memory of that moment of unity.
Editorial references: Esther 4:16 · Esther 9:31 · Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 686
Festival dates
From the evening of Sunday 21 March 2027 until Monday 22 March 2027
י״ג אֲדָר ב׳ תשפ״ז
The feast begins the evening before, at sunset.
Key points
- As a rule the fast takes place on the eve of Purim.
- It recalls the fast Esther requested before going before the king.
- The fast runs from dawn until nightfall.
- When the eve of Purim falls on Shabbat the date of the fast is moved earlier: the calendar shows the effective date.
PRACTICAL INFO — THIS OCCURRENCE
Jerusalem
Times for this occurrence, calculated for Jerusalem (Israel) in its own time zone.
Times are unavailable for this date and city.
For any personal situation or halachic question, seek guidance from your Rabbi.
What this feast teaches us
« The most solid joy is the one that first passed through prayer. »
Your gift makes a real difference
Every contribution allows THORA FREE to pass on the Torah and provide concrete help to families in our community.
Torah classes remain free: receiving them never depends on a donation.