Fast of Esther 2024
The Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) is observed on the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim. It commemorates the three-day fast that Queen Esther and the Jews of Persia observed before she approached King Ahasuerus to plead for her people (Esther 4:16).
Halachic Framework
Fast of Esther is a rabbinic fast day. Core rules:
- Duration: The fast runs from dawn (alot haShachar) to nightfall (tzait haKochavim) — a shorter span than Yom Kippur's sunset-to-nightfall fast.
- Exemptions: The ill, pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt. Anyone whose health would be at risk must not fast.
- Liturgy: The Amidah includes the fast-day blessing "Aneinu," and Slichot (penitential prayers) are added. Tachanun is not said on the fast itself but is omitted afterward as well.
Customs & Observances
- Fast from dawn until nightfall
- The fast is not observed when it falls on Shabbat and is moved to the preceding Thursday
- Machatzit HaShekel — a half-shekel donation commemorating the Temple tribute, given before Purim
Greetings & Blessings for Fast of Esther
Traditional greetings used before, during, and after Fast of Esther:
- Tzom Kal — "An easy fast"
- Chag Purim Sameach — said as Purim begins that evening
בעברית:
- צום קל
- חג פורים שמח — מפתיעת החג בערב
About Fast of Esther
The Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) is observed on the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim. It commemorates the three-day fast that Queen Esther and the Jews of Persia observed before she approached King Ahasuerus to plead for her people (Esther 4:16).
Also known as: Ta'anit Esther
Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the date shown and conclude at nightfall (when three medium stars are visible) on the final day. In the Diaspora, major Torah festivals are observed for two days (Yom Tov Sheni shel Galuyot), while in Israel they are observed for one day.
Fast of Esther in Upcoming Years
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | March 13, 2025 |
| 2026 | March 2, 2026 |
| 2027 | March 22, 2027 |
| 2028 | March 9, 2028 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fast of Esther 2024?
Fast of Esther 2024 begins at sunset on March 21, 2024 (Hebrew date: 11 Adar II 5784). All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the date listed.
What is Fast of Esther?
The Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) is observed on the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim. It commemorates the three-day fast that Queen Esther and the Jews of Persia observed before she approached King Ahasuerus to plead for her people (Esther 4:16).
How are Fast of Esther dates determined?
Fast of Esther falls on a fixed date in the Hebrew (lunisolar) calendar each year. Because the Hebrew calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, the corresponding Gregorian date shifts annually. The dates on this page are calculated algorithmically — no manual updates needed.
Is Fast of Esther a fast day?
Yes, Fast of Esther is a fast day. The fast includes abstention from food and drink from dawn (or sunset the evening before) until nightfall the following evening.