The "fast of esther" is a Jewish holiday commemorating Queen Esther's plea to save the Jewish people from persecution. Its correct spelling is /fæst ʌv ˈɛstər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling includes the voiceless alveolar fricative sound /f/ at the beginning, followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ in "fast." The preposition "of" is pronounced with a short u sound /ʌ/. The name "Esther" is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable, and the short e sound /ɛ/ in IPA.
The Fast of Esther is a religious observance that is celebrated by Jewish people in commemoration of the events described in the biblical Book of Esther. This annual fast takes place on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, the day before the holiday of Purim. The Fast of Esther has a deep historical significance as it marks the time when Queen Esther, together with her cousin Mordecai and the Jewish community in Persia, fasted and prayed for three consecutive days to seek divine intervention against the plans of Haman, the royal advisor who sought to annihilate all Jewish people.
During this fast, Jewish individuals who are physically able abstain from consuming food and drink from dawn until sunset, similar to the practice of other religious fasts in Judaism. It is considered a somber and introspective day, during which Jews reflect on the courage of Queen Esther and the miraculous turn of events that saved the Jewish people from destruction. In contemporary times, the Fast of Esther is also viewed as an opportunity to seek spiritual growth, ask for forgiveness, and perform acts of charity.
The Fast of Esther plays a central role in the preparation for the joyous celebration of Purim, a holiday that commemorates the Jewish people's salvation and rescue.