ESTHER, FAST OF (tToti rmvn), so called from the fact that it was ordered by this queen to avert the impending destruction which at that time threatened the whole Jewish population of the Persian dominions (comp. Esther iv. 16, 17). The Jews to this day keep this fast on the 13th of Adar, the day which was appointed for their extir pation, and which precedes the Feast of Purim, because it was ordained both by Esther and Mor decai, that it should continue a national fast, to be observed annually in commemoration of that event ful day (comp. Esther ix. 31). During the Mac caban period, and for sometime afterwards, this fast was temporarily superseded by a festival which was instituted to celebrate the anniversary of the victory obtained by Judas Maccabmus over Nicanor on the 13t4 of Adar (comp. I Maccab. vii. 49 ; Joseph. Antiq. xii. to. 5 ; Megillath Taanith,
c. xii. ; Josippon ben Gorion, iii. 22, p. 244, ed. Breithaupt). But this festival has long since ceased to be celebrated, and as early as the ninth century of the Christian era, we find the fast of Esther was again duly observed (comp. Sheelthoth of R. Achai, Purim 4), and it has continued ever since to be one of the fasts in the Jewish calendar. The Jews entirely abstain from eating and drinking on this day, and introduce into the daily service penitential psalms, and offer prayers which have been composed especially for this occasion. If the 13th of Adar happens to be on a Sabbath, this fast is kept on the Friday, because fasting is not allowed on the Sabbath-day. Some Jews go so far as to fast three days, according to the example of Esther (comp. iv. 6).—C. D. G.