The Fast of Esther: A Powerful Kabbalistic Practice for Miracles and Divine Mercy

We are taught that on Purim, when the Jewish people stretch out their hands in heartfelt prayer before God, He does not turn them away empty-handed — rather, He grants each person what they truly need.

The Zohar teaches that Yom Kippur is “like Purim” (Yom Kippurim = K’Purim), meaning that both days share the same spiritual illumination — a divine light of mercy and forgiveness.

A Proven Kabbalistic Practice from the Kav HaYashar

The Kav HaYashar, written by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Kaidanover, records a powerful spiritual practice to be performed at dawn on the Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther):

1. Rise at dawn (Alot HaShachar).

2. Wash your hands thoroughly.

3. Give a coin to charity (according to what your heart moves you to give).

4. Immediately afterward, light two memorial candles to burn for 26 hours —

   • one in honor of Queen Esther,

   • and one in honor of Mordechai the Jew.

After lighting the candles, recite Psalm 22 (“Lamenatzeach al Ayelet HaShachar” — “For the Conductor, on the Morning Star”). Some say it is best to repeat it seven times. Then pray from the depths of your heart that the merit of Mordechai and Esther stand by you — that God grant you the salvation and deliverance you seek.

The Spiritual Reasoning Behind Each Step

• Why dawn?
  Esther is compared to “Ayelet HaShachar” — the morning star. Dawn is a mystical time associated with the breaking of darkness and the annulment of harsh decrees.

• Why silver coins for charity?
  According to Kabbalah, silver represents kindness (chesed), while gold represents judgment (din) — recalling, for example, the sin of the Golden Calf.
  Thus, giving silver coins draws compassion and sweetens divine judgment.

• How to give the coins:
  The Likutei Halachot, attributed to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, teaches that it is best to give the coins using both hands — first one coin, then the rest, symbolizing fullness and devotion.

• Give generously throughout the day:
  From the Fast of Esther through Purim itself, one should increase giving to the poor, fulfilling the saying: “Whoever extends a hand — we give to him.”

• Recite Psalms with intention:
  It is especially good to read Tehillim (Psalms) during this time, praying for complete redemption for the Jewish people — that all harsh decrees and negative energies be overturned in the spirit of “V’nahafoch Hu” (“and it was reversed”).

The Original Words of Kav HaYashar

“This day is especially auspicious for our prayers to be accepted in the merit of Mordechai and Esther. Whoever needs mercy for any matter should take time on the Fast of Esther, first recite Psalm 22 (‘Ayelet HaShachar’), and then pour out his heart before the Almighty — mentioning the merit of Mordechai and Esther, through which God will answer him and open for him the Gates of Mercy, and his prayer will be received with favor.”

In essence, the Fast of Esther is not only a day of remembrance, but a channel of divine compassion. When we give, pray, and awaken our faith with humility, we align ourselves with the light of Esther — the morning star that rises before dawn, and open the gates of blessing, redemption, and joy.