Although Esther called upon the Jewish people to fast with her for three days, Ta’anit Esther is observed for one day with a dawn-to-dusk fast similar to that of the four fast days outlined in the prophetic writings, with some leniencies for pregnant or nursing women and anyone with diminished health. Observance also includes contributing three half-coins of the local currency, representing half-shekels, during the Minchah service, to be given to the poor.
As Jewish women are seeking to reclaim ancient heroines, organizations such as the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance (JOFA) and Kolot: Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies have undertaken actions that honor the spirit of Esther and her deeds. The pursuit of justice on this day help assure that the fullness of Esther’s courage is not overshadowed by the story of the beauty contest.
"Esther reminds us that we too have choices to make, even if they are not as dramatic as her own," writes Jill Hammer in The Jewish Book of Days. "We too have a destiny we must not flee out of fear."
