What Is Erev Purim?
Erev Purim refers to the eve of the Jewish festival of Purim. It is a day of preparatory observance, centred around the Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther). This fast is a minor fast day, observed from dawn until nightfall, and precedes the main celebrations of Purim which begin after sunset on Erev Purim and continue throughout the following day.
The observance of Erev Purim serves to recall the pivotal historical events that led to the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s decree. It highlights themes of unity, prayer, and communal responsibility. Following the fast, communities gather to hear the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), marking the formal commencement of Purim festivities.
History and Origins of Erev Purim
The historical foundation for Erev Purim, and specifically the Fast of Esther, is derived directly from the biblical Book of Esther. This book narrates the story of the Jewish people living in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus. Haman, a high-ranking official, plotted to annihilate all Jews in the empire.
Queen Esther, advised by her cousin Mordecai, resolved to intercede with the King on behalf of her people. However, approaching the King unbidden was punishable by death. Before she risked her life, Esther requested that all Jews in Shushan fast for three days and nights alongside her. This communal fast, seeking divine intervention and strength for Esther’s dangerous mission, forms the historical basis for the Fast of Esther observed on Erev Purim. The fast observed today is generally a daylight fast, not the full three-day fast described in the Megillah, commemorating the spirit of repentance and prayer.
How Erev Purim Is Celebrated
The primary observance on Erev Purim is the Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther). This fast begins at dawn and concludes at nightfall, with no food or drink permitted during these hours. It is a day of introspection, prayer, and charity, in anticipation of the joyous celebration of Purim.
As sunset approaches, the fast concludes, and Jewish communities typically gather in synagogues for the evening prayers and the first reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther). The public reading of the Megillah is a central part of the Purim observance, fulfilling the commandment to hear the story of Purim twice: once on the eve and once on the day itself. During the Megillah reading, it is customary to make noise, such as rattling groggers (noise-makers), whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, to symbolically blot out his name.
When Is Erev Purim?
Erev Purim is observed on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. The Jewish calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning its dates vary each year when correlated with the Gregorian calendar. Consequently, Erev Purim typically falls in late February or early March.
In a Jewish leap year, an extra month, Adar I, is added. In such years, Purim and Erev Purim are observed in Adar II, meaning they occur approximately a month later than in a regular year. If the 13th of Adar falls on a Saturday (Shabbat), the Fast of Esther is observed on the preceding Thursday, the 11th of Adar, as fasting is generally prohibited on Shabbat. The Megillah reading, however, still takes place after sunset on the 13th.
Erev Purim Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious Observance |
| Date | 13th of Adar (Jewish Calendar); Variable Gregorian date (late February/early March) |
| Countries | Observed by Jewish communities globally; not typically a national public holiday |
| Also known as | Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther) |
| Calendar system | Jewish Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main observance on Erev Purim?
The primary observance on Erev Purim is the Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther). This fast commemorates the three-day fast undertaken by Queen Esther and the Jewish people before she approached King Ahasuerus.
When does Erev Purim occur?
Erev Purim falls on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. If the 13th of Adar falls on a Saturday (Shabbat), the Fast of Esther is observed on the preceding Thursday, the 11th of Adar.
Is Erev Purim a public holiday?
Erev Purim is a religious observance within Judaism and is not typically recognised as a national public holiday in any country. Jewish individuals and communities observe it through fasting and special prayers.