1) The 13th day of the month of Adar is known as Ta'anis Esther, the fast of Esther. (This year, it falls out on Wednesday, March 7)
This fast day is in commemoration of the Jews' gathering on that day [in Teshuva and prayer] in preparation for defending themselves against the imminent threat of their annihilation at the hands of their neighbors at the behest of Haman and Achashveirush.
The fast was established as a reminder that Hashem always sees our individual [as well as our collective]suffering, and will always come to our rescue if we return to Him with all our heart, as the Jews did at the time of the story of Purim. (See Mishna Berura Siman 686:2)
2) This fast is not as stringent as other fast days, and in cases of necessity (such as pregnant or nursing women, or people with certain other hardships or non-life-threatening sicknesses) one need not fast.
However, one who can fast should not simply dismiss this fast and be different than the rest of Klal Yisroel. (Rama Siman 686:1)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) When Purim falls out on Sunday, And thus the 13th of Adar, Ta'anis Esther, falls on Shabbos, the fast is held Mukdam, earlier, on the previous Thursday as we do not fast on Shabbos nor are public fasts [with the exception of Asara B'Teves] held on Erev Shabbos.
In the event that one forgot to fast on a Ta'anis Esther Mukdam, he should fast on the following day, Friday. (See Mishna Berura Siman 686:3 and Sha'arei Teshuva 686:1)
2) If a Bris Milah falls out on Ta'anis Esther Mukdam the Seudah may be celebrated and all those attending may eat. (Rama Siman 686:2 and Mishna Berura S"K 7. The Mishna Berura also brings the view of the Taz and the Elya Rabbah who maintain that only the Ba'alei Bris [the parents of the child, the Sandek and the Mohel, see Rama Siman 555:8] may eat.)
However, all who ate at the Bris, must fast on the following day. (ibid.)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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Reader's Question:
Why can't we say Kiddush Levana the first three days of the month?
Answer:
Because the moon has to be visible enough to be able to derive benefit from its light, which it isn't until three, or according to some, seven, days after the Molad. (See Mishna Berura Siman 426:20)
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