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Send to a friendEvery week, parshaoftheweek.com brings you a rich selection of material on parshat hashavua, the weekly portion traditionally read in synagogues all over the world. Using both classic and contemporary material, we take a look at these portions in a fresh way, relating them to both ancient Jewish concerns as well as cutting-edge modern issues and topics. We also bring you material on the Jewish holidays, as well as insights into life cycle rituals and events...
Taanit Esther Summary
תענית אסתר
At the climax of the Purim story, Esther decides to approach King Achashverosh, uninvited, reveal that she is Jewish, and ask him to save the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal decree. Nervous about the outcome, she tells her uncle, Mordechai, to ask the Jews of Persia to fast for her for three days, while she herself will fast and pray as well. On the 13th day of Adar, the day before Purim, we fast, to remember and commemorate her efforts, and connect to the threat faced by the Jews of Persia, the day before celebrating their victory and redemption.
