Tsom Esther: Fasting in Beta Israel Tradition
While Purim was not traditionally celebrated with the festive customs familiar to many Jewish communities today, Beta Israel (Ethiopian Jewish) communities maintained the observance of Tsom Esther, the Fast of Esther.
Fasting has long played an important role in Beta Israel religious life, serving as a time for prayer, repentance, and renewed connection to Adonai. As you explore these traditions, consider how fasting can serve as more than abstaining from food, becoming an expression of faith and devotion.
What Does Tsom Mean?
In Hebrew, the word for fasting is צום (tzom). In both Amharic and Ge’ez, the word is ጾም (tsom).These closely related words reflect a linguistic connection between Hebrew and Ethiopia's Semitic languages, where fasting has long held religious significance.
Fasting in Beta Israel Tradition
Beta Israel communities traditionally observed numerous fasts throughout the year, often associated with prayer, repentance, mourning, and spiritual preparation. Some fasts were observed by the wider community, but some fasts were observed primarily by the Kessim (religious leaders) and devout community elders. Many lasted from sunrise to sunset, while certain observances extended over several days. Fasting was a religious practice through which individuals and communities expressed humility, sought forgiveness, and renewed their commitment to Adonai.
Tsom Esther: The Three-Day Fast
In Megillat Esther, Queen Esther calls upon the Jewish community to fast for three days before she approaches King Ahasuerus to plead for her people (Esther 4:16). Traditional Beta Israel observance of Tsom Esther also included a three-day fast, particularly among the Kessim and devout community members.
During these three days, participants fasted throughout the daylight hours, eating at night for sustenance. Historical accounts also describe variations in when the fast was observed. This differs from the Fast of Esther commonly practiced in rabbinic Jewish communities today, which is generally observed for a single day before Purim.
Although the observances differ, fasting remains an important expression of prayer, remembrance, and devotion within Jewish religious life. Tsom Esther offers a glimpse into the broader role of fasting in Beta Israel tradition. Fasting creates space for personal and communal reflection and renewed spiritual commitment through prayer, and discipline.