Ta'anit Esther
Fast of Esther 2027: Start and End Times, Jewish Laws and Customs
Fast of Esther 2027
| City | ☀ Fast Begins | ☾ Fast Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem | 4:24 AM | 6:17 PM |
| Tel Aviv | 4:26 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Haifa | 4:24 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Be'er Sheva | 4:27 AM | 6:18 PM |
On the Fast of Esther, Give Machatzit HaShekel
The Half-Shekel donation is a treasured tradition, bringing merit for protection and blessings!
Fast of Esther – Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Fast of Esther in 2027?
What time does the Fast of Esther begin in 2027?
What time does the Fast of Esther end?
Why do we fast on the Fast of Esther?
Why is it called the Fast of Esther?
Can you drink water on the Fast of Esther?
Can you brush your teeth on the Fast of Esther?
Can you shower on the Fast of Esther?
Can you work or listen to music on the Fast of Esther?
Who is exempt from the Fast of Esther?
Are children required to fast on the Fast of Esther?
What is the Machatzit HaShekel custom on the Fast of Esther?
Fast of Esther 2027 – Ta’anit Esther
The Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther) is observed on the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim. During the time of Mordechai and Queen Esther, the Jewish people fought against their enemies on this day and, with God’s help, emerged victorious.
In 2027 (5787), the Fast of Esther falls on Monday, March 22, 2027 (13 Adar II, 5787).
Fast of Esther 2027 – Starting Times
When does the Fast of Esther begin? The fast starts at dawn (Alot HaShachar), in the early morning hours.
Fast begins in Israel:
Tel Aviv: 4:26 AM
Jerusalem: 4:24 AM
Haifa: 4:24 AM
Be’er Sheva: 4:27 AM
Fast of Esther 2027 – Ending Times
When does the Fast of Esther end? The fast concludes after nightfall (Tzeit HaKochavim), when eating and drinking are permitted again.
Fast ends in Israel:
Tel Aviv: 6:18 PM
Jerusalem: 6:17 PM
Haifa: 6:18 PM
Be’er Sheva: 6:18 PM
These times are for the listed cities in Israel. Fasting times in other locations vary.
Machatzit HaShekel – Half-Shekel Donation
It is a longstanding Jewish custom to give a charitable donation in remembrance of the Half-Shekel (Machatzit HaShekel) on the Fast of Esther, traditionally before the Mincha afternoon prayer.
You can fulfill this custom by making a secure online donation through our website.
Donations support Chabad of Sderot’s activities with IDF soldiers, needy families, and victims of terror.
Donations are eligible for Israeli tax benefits under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance, subject to applicable requirements.
Why Is It Called the Fast of Esther?
The Book of Esther tells us that Queen Esther asked the Jewish people to fast for three days. Esther and her attendants also fasted. After the three days, she approached King Achashverosh (Ahasuerus) to seek the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s decree.
Esther understood that the decree was not merely a political threat but also had a spiritual dimension.
Although Haman and King Achashverosh were directly involved in the decree, Esther recognized that the Jewish people needed to respond spiritually as well.
She therefore began with fasting, prayer, and repentance before taking practical action by approaching the king.
It is important, however, to distinguish between the three-day fast described in the Megillah and the Fast of Esther observed today on the 13th of Adar.
The present-day fast commemorates the fasting and prayers associated with the Jewish people’s battle against their enemies.
Why Do We Fast on the Fast of Esther?
Unlike other Jewish fast days, which generally commemorate tragic events such as the destruction of the Holy Temple or the siege of Jerusalem, the Fast of Esther is connected to a miraculous victory.
The Purim story recounts how the Jewish people were saved from Haman’s decree during the time of Mordechai and Esther.
Why, then, do we fast on a day associated with deliverance and victory?
The Spiritual Meaning of the Fast of Esther
The Chafetz Chaim, in the Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 686), explains that on the 13th of Adar, the Jewish people fought against their enemies while turning to God through fasting and prayer.
Throughout Jewish history, the Jewish people have sought divine assistance during times of war.
For example, during the battle against Amalek, Moses prayed for the success of the Jewish people with his hands raised toward Heaven.
We commemorate this spiritual response by fasting each year on the 13th of Adar.
The fast reminds us that God watches over every individual, especially in times of distress.
Through fasting, repentance, and sincere prayer, we turn to God and ask for His mercy, protection, and salvation.
The Fast of Esther in a Jewish Leap Year
The Fast of Esther is normally observed on the 13th of Adar.
In a Jewish leap year, when the calendar contains two months of Adar, the fast takes place on the 13th of Adar II, immediately before Purim.
The Jewish year 5787 (2027) is a leap year. Therefore, the Fast of Esther will be observed on Monday, March 22, 2027.
When the 13th of Adar falls on Shabbat, the fast is moved forward to Thursday, the 11th of Adar, since the Fast of Esther is not observed on Shabbat.
Giving Charity on a Fast Day – Agra DeTa’anita
There is a Jewish custom to give additional charity on a fast day, based on the Talmudic teaching known as Agra DeTa’anita, meaning “the reward of the fast.”
Our Sages emphasize that charitable giving is an important part of the spiritual significance of fasting.
A customary practice is to donate an amount equivalent to the cost of the food one would ordinarily have eaten during the fast.
Those who wish to give more are encouraged to do so.
Laws of the Fast of Esther – What Is Permitted and Prohibited?
The Fast of Esther begins at dawn and ends after nightfall.
Unlike fasts that commemorate national tragedies, Ta’anit Esther recalls the fasting and prayers of the Jewish people during their struggle against their enemies.
For this reason, Jewish law provides certain leniencies regarding the Fast of Esther compared with other public fast days.
Eating and drinking are prohibited during the fast. However, bathing, wearing leather shoes, and performing ordinary work are permitted.
Can You Brush Your Teeth on the Fast of Esther?
According to Chabad custom, one should preferably avoid brushing one’s teeth with water during the fast because of the risk of swallowing water.
In cases of significant discomfort or special need, some halachic authorities permit brushing with appropriate precautions to avoid swallowing water.
For practical guidance, consult a competent rabbi and follow your community’s customs.
Can You Shower on the Fast of Esther?
Yes. Showering and bathing, including with warm water, are permitted on the Fast of Esther.
Unlike Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, Ta’anit Esther does not include a prohibition against bathing.
Can You Wash Your Face on the Fast of Esther?
Yes. Washing your face and hands is permitted because washing is not prohibited on this fast day.
Care should be taken not to swallow water.
Do We Wear Tefillin on the Fast of Esther?
Yes. Tefillin are worn as usual on the Fast of Esther, just as on any ordinary weekday.
Can You Get a Haircut or Shave on the Fast of Esther?
Yes. Haircuts and shaving are permitted on the Fast of Esther.
Can You Listen to Music on the Fast of Esther?
There is no specific prohibition against listening to music based solely on the laws of the Fast of Esther.
Can You Work on the Fast of Esther?
Yes. Working, studying, and carrying out ordinary daily activities are permitted.
The Fast of Esther does not involve a prohibition against work.
Can You Drink Water on the Fast of Esther?
No. Anyone obligated to fast must refrain from both eating and drinking, including water, from dawn until nightfall.
Those who are halachically exempt from fasting may eat and drink according to their needs and appropriate halachic guidance.
Until What Time Can You Eat Before the Fast of Esther?
Eating and drinking are permitted until dawn, when the fast begins.
Someone who goes to sleep and plans to wake up before dawn to eat should make that intention before going to sleep.
There are additional halachic distinctions and customs concerning drinking before dawn.
Who Is Exempt from the Fast of Esther?
Because the Fast of Esther is more lenient than certain other Jewish fasts, exemptions may apply in several circumstances, including:
Pregnant women who experience discomfort or difficulty fasting.
Women who have recently given birth and nursing mothers, depending on their circumstances and halachic practice.
Individuals who are ill, even when their illness is not life-threatening.
Anyone uncertain about their obligation should consult a qualified rabbi. Medical concerns should also be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Pregnant or Nursing Women Who Feel Well
Halachic authorities differ regarding healthy pregnant or nursing women who do not experience significant discomfort during the fast.
Some authorities require fasting when there is no particular difficulty, while others permit exemptions under certain circumstances.
These differing opinions are discussed in the Mishnah Berurah and other halachic works.
Additional Halachic Rulings
Some rabbinic authorities allow further leniencies based on individual circumstances, as discussed in Piskei Teshuvot, Orach Chaim 686.
These may include pregnant or nursing women, women recovering from childbirth, and individuals whose fasting could cause substantial weakness or distress.
Some opinions discuss exemptions for women within two years of childbirth under specific circumstances.
Such leniencies should not be applied automatically. Personal circumstances and the ruling of a qualified rabbi must be considered.
Are Children Required to Fast on the Fast of Esther?
Children below the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah are not obligated to fast.
Boys aged 13 and older and girls aged 12 and older are generally obligated, provided their health allows them to fast.
Younger children can learn about the significance of the day through prayer, Torah study, and giving charity.
Is the Fast of Esther Mandatory?
The Fast of Esther is an established and binding Jewish communal practice and should not be disregarded without a valid halachic reason.
Nevertheless, certain exemptions are recognized, particularly for those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, or recovering from childbirth.
Prayers and Customs of the Fast of Esther
Special prayers and Torah readings are added on the Fast of Esther, according to the customs and prayer traditions of each community.
What Torah Portion Is Read on the Fast of Esther?
During both Shacharit (morning prayers) and Mincha (afternoon prayers), the Torah reading is Vayechal Moshe (Exodus 32:11–14 and 34:1–10).
The reading focuses on Moses’ prayers for divine mercy following the sin of the Golden Calf and on God’s attributes of compassion.
What Special Prayers Are Recited?
During Shacharit, Selichot (penitential prayers) and Avinu Malkeinu are recited according to the community’s custom.
The special Aneinu prayer is also added to the Amidah.
According to Chabad custom, an individual recites Aneinu during the Mincha Amidah, while the prayer leader includes it in the repetition of the Amidah during Shacharit and Mincha, subject to the relevant halachic conditions.
The Torah portion Vayechal Moshe is also read during Mincha.
Spiritual Significance and Segulot of the Fast of Esther
Traditional Jewish sources describe the 13th of Adar as an especially meaningful time for prayer and seeking divine mercy.
The holy book Kav HaYashar discusses a special practice for those seeking salvation or blessings.
According to this tradition, a person should set aside time on the Fast of Esther to recite Psalm 22, beginning with the words Lamnatzeach Al Ayelet HaShachar.
After reciting the Psalm, one should offer a heartfelt personal prayer to God, invoking the merit of Mordechai and Esther.
The custom expresses the hope that, through sincere prayer and divine mercy, one’s requests will be favorably received.