1. The Origins of the Fast: Two Perspectives
The shiur identifies a fundamental debate regarding what specific event Taanis Esther commemorates.
View 1: The Fast of the War (13th of Adar)
Based on the Gemara (Megillah 2a) and affirmed by the Mishnah Berurah, the 13th of Adar was a time of Kehilah (gathering) for war. When the Jews went to war against their enemies, they fasted. This was a common practice to show that victory comes not from physical strength, but from spiritual merit. Therefore, we fast on the 13th of Adar to commemorate the fast the Jews observed while fighting for their lives.
View 2: The Fast of Esther (Nissan)
The Rambam suggests that the fast commemorates the specific time "they fasted in the days of Haman." However, Haman was already dead by the time the war occurred in Adar. The original fasting instigated by Queen Esther ("Fast for me for three days") actually took place in Nissan (during Passover time). So Taanis Esther is in memory of that fast.
2. The Nature of the Fast: "A Happy Fast"
Unlike the fasts of Tisha B'Av or the 17th of Tammuz, which are marked by mourning and tragedy, Taanis Esther is conceptually different.
A Memory of Salvation: Citing Rabbi Turdus (a medieval Spanish scholar), the speaker notes that this is a "happy fast." It is a Zecher l'Yeshua—a remembrance of salvation. We do not fast out of grief, but to commemorate the miracle that occurred.
Preparation for Joy: The fast serves as the spiritual gateway to the joy of Purim.
3. The Rambam’s Philosophy: Why We Fast
The Rambam provides a profound reason for the institution of this fast. It is not merely a memorial; it is a lesson in faith.
God Listens: The purpose of the fast is to remind every generation that just as God listened to our ancestors when they cried out in distress, He listens to us today.
The Power of Prayer: The fast demonstrates that when Jews gather (Nikhalim) and cry out during times of trouble (Tzarah), God answers. It validates the efficacy of Teshuvah and prayer.
4. Taanis Esther in the Future (Yemos HaMashiach)
The speaker delves into a discussion regarding whether Taanis Esther will continue after the arrival of the Moshiach.
The Argument for Abolishment:
The Piyut (liturgical poem) recited on Purim states: "Shoshanas Yaakov... Tshuasam Hayisa LaNetzach / ViSikvasam b'chol dor vador" (Their salvation was eternal / Their hope is in every generation).
Interpretation: The speaker analyzes this to mean that the Salvation (Purim) is eternal (Netzach), but the Hope/Fasting (Tikvah) is only for the generations of exile. In the Messianic era, there will be no wars and no distress; therefore, we will no longer need to fast to prove that God answers us in times of trouble.
The Midrash Lekach Tov presents a contradictory view. It suggests that the Jewish people will continue to gather and fast even in the future times.
Conclusion
Taanis Esther is a multifaceted day. It is a historical commemoration of the war in Adar (or Esther's plea in Nissan), but more importantly, it is a testament to the relationship between God and the Jewish people. It reminds us that our cries are heard. While the joy of Purim is eternal (Netzach), the fast represents our hope (Tikvah) amidst the struggles of exile, preparing us for the ultimate redemption.
