When the story is read, children use noisemakers called 'groggers' to drown out the sound of the evil Haman's name. The Fast of Esther is on the day before Purim to commemorate the day of prayer and fasting which the Jews held before their victory. It is a tradition to give three half dollar coins to charity to recall the time of the Holy Temple when each Jew would give a half shekel. We recite a special prayer, the 'AI HaNissim' which is the liturgy in the Silent prayer for evening, morning, and afternoon, as well as during the Grace After Meals. In the morning service there is a special reading from the Torah Scroll in the Temple.
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