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Taanit Esther is neither of Biblical nor Talmudic origin (according to the vast majority of authorities â see
Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 686). It is a custom dating back to the times of the Geonim. Yet despite its relatively low-level halachic status, most people break their
Taanit Esther fast much later than they break their Yom Kippur fast!
The reason for this practice is simple: Purim (usually) immediately follows
Taanit Esther. As soon as
Taanit Esther ends, the obligation to read
Megillat Esther sets in. Since one shouldnât eat before performing a
mitzvah, the fast by default ends up lasting until the services for Purim night conclude. For those who canât attend services in shul and must wait until someone comes home shul to