Fast of Esther 2027

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.