Tehilim on the Fast of Purim
Question
Can we read Tehilim tomorrow on the fast of Purim?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
The Fast of Esther is observed on the thirteenth of Adar, which corresponds to Thursday March 13 this year (2025). This fast commemorates the fast that Mordechai decreed upon the Jewish people so that they should repent and pray for salvation from Haman and Achashverosh’s evil decrees, and a lesson for us that Hashem listens to our prayers and will bring about a salvation like he did in the times of Mordechai and Esther.
It is actually recommend to recite Tehillim of the Fast of Esther! In fact, it is customary to recite chapter 22 of Tehillim on Taanit Esther, which was written in reference to Esther and the Purim story, and to then ask Hashem for whatever one needs. One can also mention that one is praying in the merit of Mordechai and Esther his prayers will be answered.
In addition, here is an excerpt from the Talmud Megilla 15b that connects the Book of Esther with Chapter 22 in Tehillim.
"And she stood in the inner court of the king’s house" (Esther 5:1). R. Levi said: When she reached the chamber of the idols, the Divine Presence left her. She said, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?" (Ps. 22:2). "Is it possible that You punish the inadvertent sin like the presumptuous one, or one done under compulsion like one committed willingly? Or is it because I called Ahasuerus “a dog,” as it says Save my soul from the sword, my only one from the power of the dog?" (Ps. 22:21). She immediately retracted and called him “lion,” as it says, "Save me from the lion’s mouth." (Ps. 22:22).