Question:
dear Rabbi,
When the fast of Esther is Thursday and Purim, when is the megillah read? Thursday? Or Saturday night and Sunday?
May one go grocery shopping on the fast of Esther? or is buying food prohibited?
thank you
Answer:
Hello,
Purim this year is on Sunday, therefore the Megillah will be read on Motzei Shabbos right after maariv, and on Sunday morning. Usually the fast of Esther is the day before Purim, however this year since it would come out on Shabbos, it is done two days earlier, on Thursday. we may go grocery shopping and buy whatever we want on Taanis Esther, in fact, practically many people do their Purim preparation then .
Have a happy Purim
