Esther Fast

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Christian Jewish
Where:: World
Date change rule:: Observed on Purim eve (late February–late March)
Holiday emoji:: 🙏

The Esther Fast is observed on Purim eve, falling on Monday, March 2, 2026. This day of fasting commemorates Queen Esther’s three-day fast before she approached King Ahasuerus to save the Jewish people. Join in reflection, prayer, and acts of charity to honor this ancient tradition.

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Expected Esther Fast Deals

As a religious observance, the Esther Fast focuses on spiritual reflection rather than commercial deals. However, many Jewish organizations and community centers host events around Purim, the holiday that follows the fast, which often include opportunities for charitable giving. Consider donating to organizations like the Jewish Federations of North America or local synagogues and food banks, especially those serving the Jewish community. Some kosher food retailers, such as Kosher.com, may highlight traditional Purim foods for the feast that follows the fast. We will update this page with confirmed live events and charitable initiatives as March approaches.

Platform Guide for Esther Fast

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EstherFast. Share reflections on the meaning of the fast and its connection to community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #EstherFast. Post about the historical significance of Queen Esther and the lessons of courage and faith.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EstherFast. Share quiet moments of reflection, community preparations for Purim, or relevant historical imagery.

Esther Fast Hero

Queen Esther

Queen Esther is the central figure in the biblical Book of Esther, which recounts her heroic actions in saving the Jewish people from annihilation in ancient Persia. Originally named Hadassah, she concealed her Jewish identity to become queen and, at great personal risk, revealed her heritage to King Ahasuerus to expose Haman's plot. Her bravery and faith are commemorated during the holiday of Purim, which is preceded by the Esther Fast.

History of Esther Fast

The Fast of Esther is observed to memorialize the events in “The Book of Esther.” Some say that a fast is observed on this day as it was on this day that Esther fasted for three days and three nights. It is believed that Mordecai proclaimed a three-day fast when he informed Esther about Haman’s plans, and Esther suggested that she and the Jewish community of Shushan fasted for three days. The story goes that Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, was displeased upon hearing that Mordechai would not bow down to him. When he found out that Mordechai was a Jew, he convinced Ahasuerus to allow him to kill all the members of the Jew community.

Esther stepped in and decided to foil Haman’s plan. She invited Haman to a banquet. Haman honored the invite and fell on Esther’s couch, pleading for mercy. But Queen Esther had informed the King that Haman had come to kill her. Enraged, the king entered the banquet, and when he saw Haman on the couch, he interpreted it as sexual advancement and was further infuriated. Haman was hanged.

Some scholars believe that the fast is observed as the Jews who went to battle with the enemies had fasted to get divine favor. King Ahasuerus had initially given orders to kill the Jews, orders he couldn’t annul. Ahasuerus then asked the Jews to fight back and kill anyone who sought to kill them. The Jews are said to have fasted before going into battle and slaying over 75,000 men.

The Fast of Esther has been observed by Jews for centuries on the day preceding the festival of Purim. Some also believe that the fast is observed to nullify the feasting and merrymaking during Purim.

Esther Fast timeline

483 B.C.

Esther is Born

Esther is born in the Persian Empire.

458 B.C.

Esther Becomes Queen

King Ahasuerus makes Esther his new queen.

359 B.C.

“The Book of Esther”

“The Book of Esther” is written during the reign of Artaxerxes III.

300 B.C.

Fast of Esther

The Jews, especially the Rabbi religious leaders, observe a minor fast to commemorate the events mentioned in “The Book of Esther.”

How Businesses Can Celebrate Esther Fast

Local businesses can acknowledge the Esther Fast and the upcoming Purim holiday by supporting Jewish community organizations and charities. Restaurants and bakeries could offer special kosher-for-Purim items or donate a portion of sales to local synagogues or Jewish food banks. Businesses can also use their platforms to share educational content about the historical significance of the fast and the values of courage and communal responsibility it represents.

Esther Fast FAQs

When is Esther Fast?

In 2027, the Esther Fast will be observed on Monday, March 22, from dawn until dusk. This day of fasting leads into the celebration of Purim.

Why is the Esther Fast observed?

Observance of the Esther Fast serves as a reminder of the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people from persecution, as recounted in the Book of Esther. It emphasizes the power of prayer and unity.

How many people observe the Esther Fast?

Across Jewish communities globally, the Esther Fast is a recognized minor fast day. Its observance varies, but many participate in this day of introspection and communal prayer.

What is the connection between the Esther Fast and Purim?

The fast serves as a historical and spiritual prelude to Purim, mirroring Queen Esther’s original fast before she acted to save her people. Purim then celebrates the salvation that followed her courageous act.

How To Observe The Esther Fast

Prepare yourself mentally
Fasting is not for everyone. Abstaining from food and water requires more mental strength than you think. If you want to carry out the fast successfully, you should prepare in advance. On the previous night, eat whole foods such as rice, lentils, dairy, and vegetables. You also have to prepare mentally for the fast.
Recite your prayers
In the morning, recite ‘selichot,’ which is present at the back of the prayer book. In the afternoon, during the Minchah — an afternoon prayer service, recite the Amidah prayer. Some people who take up fasting also include the paragraph Aneinu in the Shema Koleinu blessing during the Minchah.
Give to charity
It is said that the Jews contributed half-shekels to the Holy Temple to counter the 10,000 silver talents given to King Ahasuerus by Haman to annihilate the Jew community. It is customary to give three coins in half denominations to charity during the fast of Esther.

5 Facts About The Book Of Esther That Will Blow Your Mind

One of the two books on women
“The Book of Esther” is one of the two books named after a woman, the other one is “The Book of Ruth.”
It was written by Mordecai
It is believed that the author of “The Book of Esther” is either her cousin Mordecai or Ezra.
It takes place in Susa
The events mentioned in “The Book of Esther” are said to have occurred in Susa, modern-day Sush in Iran.
Only Adar is mentioned
Adar is the only month in the biblical calendar that has been mentioned in “The Book of Esther.”
God is not mentioned
It is the only book in the Hebrew Bible that does not mention God.

Why The Esther Fast is Important

It teaches us about sacrifice and strengthens willpower
Fasting makes us appreciate the richness of life. It makes us realize the importance of the food that we eat and the comfort we have in our lives. It teaches us a lesson on sacrifice, devotion, and gratitude. It also strengthens the mind.
It invokes devotion in us
This day gives us a chance to bring out our religious and spiritual side. While observing the Fast of Esther, one can set aside his stress, worry, and the complexities of life and meditate. It gives us the time to introspect, pray, and be one with God.
Fasting has health benefits
Decreased resting heart rate, decreased blood pressure, lower levels of bad cholesterol, reduced level of insulin are some of the benefits of fasting. It also promotes the expulsion of damaged cells and the creation of new healthy cells.