Origin of the Fast
- In the time of the Megillah, on the 13th of Adar the Jews fought against their enemies. We find in Chazal that the Jews would fast on the day of battle, and daven and ask for Hashem’s mercy to defeat their enemies. As a reminder of this, we fast on the 13th of Adar.
- This fast is known as Ta’anis Esther to highlight that Hashem listens to and accepts our tefillos when we return to Him wholeheartedly, as He did with Esther and the Jews in those days (MB 686:2)
When Purim Falls on Sunday
- When Purim falls on Sunday, Ta’anis Esther is brought forward to the previous Thursday. We do not fast on Friday out of the honour of Shabbos; given we spend more time in shul davening on a fast day, this would negatively impact our ability to prepare for Shabbos. Furthermore, we do not want to enter Shabbos in a state of distress having fasted all day (SA 686:2, MB 3, MB 249:18).
Those Exempt from Fasting on Ta’anis Esther
- Women who are pregnant or nursing, or within 30 days of childbirth or one who is a choleh she’ein bo Sakana (bedbound due to illness, or whose entire body is weak due to illness even if they are not bedbound), or even one who has significant pain such as bad a headache or eye pain, even if they can function, are exempt from fasting (this latter exemption is unique to Taanis Esther).
- Those who did not fast simply due to being in pain (Rather than due to being defined as ill) should fast another day in Adar in its place (R 686:2, MB 4-5, MB 470:2, SHT 11, SH 6).
- Bris Milah: if Purim falls on Sunday, so Ta’anis Esther is brought forward to the previous Thursday and a baby’s bris falls on that Thursday, the ba’alei bris – the baby’s parents, mohel and sandek may eat after the Bris.
- Even if Ta’anis Esther is being observed on its normal day, ie 13th Adar, the ba’alei bris may eat after Mincha (R 686:7, MB7, SHT 15-16, R 559:8).
- Chassan and Kallah: Some also say that a Chassan and Kallah (groom and bride) are exempt from fasting if they are in the week of their Sheva Brachos even if Ta’anis Esther is on its normal day); they should consult a Rav for guidance (SHT 686:16, PT 686:4).
