“Go, assemble all the Jews who live in Shushan, and fast on my behalf; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will observe the same fast. Then I shall go to the king, though it is contrary to the law; and if I am to perish, I shall perish!”
Book of Esther 4:16
In the story of Purim, Queen Esther calls on her people to fast with her in solidarity as she prepares for the daunting task of speaking to the king and freeing her people. This year, The Jewish Education Project, M2 and Kol Ha'Ot invite us all to answer Esther's call on Ta'anit Esther (the Fast of Esther) and dedicate the day of Thursday, March 21st to the Hostages in Gaza.
We must continue to do everything we can to advocate for the release of the hostages.
Just as Queen Esther fasted to overturn a decree against her people, we invite you to spread the word and join in fasting from dawn until dusk/ from sunrise to sunset on behalf of the hostages. Click here for more information about this initiative, including a facilitator guide and source sheet.
For the video in Hebrew, click here.