Ta’anit Esther (תַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר – Fast of Esther), Purim (פּוּרִים – Lots)
Exodus 32:11–14, Exodus 34:1–10, Isaiah 55:6–56:8, Megillah
Ki Tissa (כִּי תִשָּׂא – When You Elevate), Parah Adumah (פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה – The Red Heifer)
Exodus 30:11–34:35, Numbers 19:1–22, and Ezekiel 36:16–38.
Divine mercy is revealed through the renewal of the covenant with Israel. Humanity is called to become aware of its transgressions, to rely on the power of prayer, and to recognize the necessity of spiritual purification. Finally, The Lord promises redemption to His people.
Ezekiel 36:25:
וְזָרַקְתִּי עֲלֵיכֶם מַיִם טְהוֹרִים וּטְהַרְתֶּם מִכָּל־טֻמְאוֹתֵיכֶם וּמִכָּל־גִּלּוּלֵיכֶם אֲטַהֵר אֶתְכֶם
I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you will be clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols, I will cleanse you.
Choni HaMa’agel(1) (Choni the Circle Maker) was a sage of Israel in the 1st century, renowned for his ability to have his prayers for rain answered (Taanit Tractate 23a(2). When God did not send rain upon Israel, Choni HaMa’agel was asked to pray for rain. He prayed, but no rain fell. Then he drew a circle, stood in the middle, and said: “Master of the Universe! Your children have turned to me. I swear by Your Great Name that I will not move from here until You have mercy on Your children.” It started to rain lightly, then with intensity. He then prayed for rains of blessing, and beneficial rains fell.
(1) ע.ג.ל. Same Hebrew root for “calf” (עגל) and “circle” (מעגל).
(2) The Taanit Tractate (Fast) mainly discusses practices and prayers related to prophetic and rabbinical fasts.