The Fast of Esther

Continue: 3) nop Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned. Pardon us, our King, for we have transgressed. For You, Lor», are good and forgiving, abounding in loving- Ps. 86 kindness to all who call on You. The following is said responsively: Small of number we stand pleading before You: do not block Your ears to the cry of people crushed. Listen to their entreaty from the Heaven where You dwell, as You saved Your children in the days of Myrrh and Myrtle [Mordekhai and Esther]. On Israel’s praises You sit enthroned, hearing their cry, listening to their prayer. Bringing healing even before the blow, counting it out to help the ones You have acquired; to settle their homes again. A foe and enemy fixed his eyes like knives on Israel; he opened wide his mouth to swallow up the humble man. He deliberated within him to destroy Mordekhai’s great community; in the letter, he etched his intent to destroy the treasured people. You who take revenge upon foes and persist in Your claim against enemies; You measured them out with the very measure they used against Your loved ones. The fighter and his descendants were hanged, suspended; they were strung up together, like fish on a thread. On the day on which the enemies hoped to lay carnage among the people You harbor, the rule was overturned and bodies fell; they bore the brunt and fury of Your rage — they were trodden underfoot and washed away. And so may Your name be raised up, exalted. Your glory covers all the highest heavens. As You lift the downtrodden, those yielded up as plunder, Your praise fills up the valleys to their very ends. Consider our thoughts, now, and witness our suffering. Rise up, in Your rage, against the bitter enemy. Master, we have called You from a narrow place. Please, take us out into the open, and release us from anguish. Bring us much, abundant pardon. Hear our prayer, and what is crude in us — pass over. Bring down those who press us and fill them with horror. And as for us — do not forever withhold Your compassion. Continue with God, 5 1 12 1 1 4 631 2025 62 33 96.995102 King 5 1 12 1 1 5 699 2024 54 25 96.682350 who 5 1 12 1 1 6 761 2024 54 25 77.126335 sits” 5 1 12 1 1 7 823 2034 29 15 92.754196 on 5 1 12 1 1 8 858 2033 57 26 93.496803 page 5 1 12 1 1 9 922 2034 53 16 93.496803 1012.