Pre-purim page The Fast of Esther: What, Why and How The day the Jews battled their enemy was a day of fasting and prayer. And fasting also preceded Esther’s approaching Ahasuerus. We commemorate these fasts . . . Pre-Purim Observances Purim is preceded by two special Torah readings and a fast day. Find out their significance and associated traditions. Order Hamantashen Now you can buy Hamantashen