Post date: Mar 12, 2019 3:40:0 AM
The Shelah says that there were two sins committed by the Jews at Achashveirosh’s banquet for which they were punished. Each of the sins had a distinct rectification.
The Jews committed idol worship at Achashveirosh’s party. To remedy this, Mordechai refused to bow to Haman despite the risk he was placing on his own life.
Additionally, the Jews partook of forbidden food at the party. To help effect atonement for this, before Esther made her way to Achashveirosh’s throne room, Esther, her handmaidens, and all of Klal Yisroel fasted for three days and nights. (Possibly even the children fasted as their parents did.)
These actions rectified the sins that the Jews committed at Achashveirosh’s party, and caused the judgement in Heaven against the Jews to be annihilated.
[Purim Revealed, p. 14]