Question
I will be traveling home from a business trip Thursday afternoon (which I know is a fast day — Taanis Esther), and hope to hear Megillas Esther at the proper time (right at nightfall, when the fast is over). If I get caught in traffic and am running late, can I break my fast at nightfall and hear the Megillas Esther later on that night, or must I absolutely hear Megillas Esther before breaking my fast? Thank you for the help!
Answer
You can break your fast at nightfall (depending on your custom, between 40 and 72 minutes after sunset), but should not do so with a meal. This would include bread or even a large amount of cake (volume of 4 eggs worth). Megillas Esther should be heard before a meal.
All the best,
RYB