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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
