16 Feb KASHRUS QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Is one permitted to bathe, take a haircut or listen to music on Taanis Esther? 

The Meiri (Sefer Magen Avos 23) writes that Taanis Esther is different than other communal fast days. Other communal fast days commemorate events of tragedy, while Taanis Esther is a day of celebration, for on that day, the Jews of old fasted before going to war (Mishna Berura 686:2), merited to have Hashem listen to their plea and overcame their enemies. This contrast is reflected in the following halacha: The Gemara (Megila 5a) states that when the 9th day of Av falls on Shabbos, the fast of Tisha B’av is delayed until Sunday. We do not observe the fast before Shabbos because one should postpone, rather than advance, the commemoration of tragedy. In contrast, when the 13th day of Adar falls on Shabbos (as is the case this year), Taanis Esther is observed on the previous Thursday. We may advance the fast since it commemorates a joyous event. By the same token, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l (Halichos Shlomo, Purim 18:6) contrasts Taanis Esther with other fast days with respect to bathing and cutting hair. Although bathing is technically permitted on all fast days except Tisha B’av (Shulchan Oruch 550:1), and hair cutting is acceptable on Tzom Gedalia and Asara B’teves, some are stringent and do not bathe and take haircuts on communal fast days, in keeping with the sad character of the day . This is not the case with Taanis Esther, where everyone agrees that bathing and haircuts are permissible. Rav Zilberstein, shlita (Chashukei Chemed Megila 16b) writes that one may even listen to music. However, Rav Elyashiv, zt”l is quoted in the sefer Ashrei HaIsh (Vol. 3:41:20) as saying that it is inappropriate to listen to music on Taanis Esther. Taanis Esther is also a day of forgiveness, and music will detract from the solemnity of the day.  

It is Taanis Esther. I have a headache. Am I permitted to break my fast? 

The halachos regarding breaking one’s fast on Taanis Esther are more lenient than with regard to other fasts. This is because the Rama (OC 686:2) writes that fasting on Taanis Esther is not a complete obligation. Taanis Esther is not explicitly mentioned in the Nevi’im (Prophets) or in the Talmud as a fast day. However, since it has become customary to fast on this day, one may not separate themselves from the rest of the Jewish people. Because Taanis Esther is more lenient, the Mishnah Berurah (686:4) writes that the custom in many places is that expectant or nursing mothers may eat even if they do not feel any discomfort. The Piskei Teshuvos (686:3) quotes many sources that write that today, this is the prevailing custom. An additional leniency is that on most fasts, one who is ill need not fast, but a common headache does not constitute an illness. However, on Taanis Esther, even one who has a headache is permitted to break their fast. However, one who has a headache might want to consider whether they really want to break their fast, since they are required to make up the fast at a later date (Rama ibid).