Q&A: Fast of Esther
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Fast of Esther
Question
I had an argument with someone about the binding force of the Fast of Esther. He argued that it is a post-Talmudic custom (it is not mentioned in the Talmud), so it is not binding. I argued that it was accepted by the entirety of the Jewish people, like the Talmud, so it is binding (the same reasons for which the Talmud is binding also apply to the Fast of Esther). Whom do you agree with?
Answer
A custom has binding force regardless of the Talmud. The authority of the Talmud lies in its rulings, not in its customs.
Discussion on Answer
I don’t see a difference. A custom that is not practiced is not practiced.
Is there no difference between a custom that appears in the Talmud and a custom that does not appear in the Talmud?
A custom that does not appear in the Talmud and is practiced today—of course it is binding like any custom.
A custom that appears in the Talmud but is not practiced today—does one need to resume observing it?
A custom that appears in the Talmud and is also practiced today—is its “force greater” than that of a custom that does not appear in the Talmud?