Fast of Esther in the news...
Fast of Esther Tomorrow
15:51 Mar 23, '05 / 12 Adar 5765
Tomorrow's day of fasting commemorates the fast called by Queen Esther before her appeal for Persian King Ahasuerus not to implement Hamans plot to eradicate the Jews.
The Victims of Arab Terror Organization (VAT) will commemorate the Fast of Esther tomorrow at the Western Wall in "sackcloth and ashes," together with relatives of victims of Arab terrorism.
"Just as in the original Purim miracle," stated VAT founder Shifra Hoffman, "when Mordechai and Esther pleaded to G-d to change the evil decree against the Jews of Persia, we call upon all Jews, regardless of their level of religious observance, to join together at the Western Wall on this sacred day and petition for G-d's Divine intervention to prevent the ominous disengagement from bringing disaster to the Land of Israel."
The very festive and joyous holiday of Purim begins as the fast ends, tomorrow evening at sundown, and will last until the onset of the Sabbath on Friday evening. Purim is not a public holiday in Israel, but many offices, shops, and public institutions will operate on a reduced basis. Schools will be closed, but public transportation will operate as usual. In many places in Israel, Purim is marked by special parades, the most famous of which takes place in Tel Aviv. Many kindergartens, schools, synagogues, and towns will also host special Purim parties and carnivals.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=78923
