On which date does the first fast series begin if no rain has fallen, and who fasts?
Halachah 1 states that if the 17th of Marcheshvan arrives with no rain, Torah scholars alone begin fasting Mon–Thu–Mon; communal fasts are not yet decreed.
Question 2
During the second set of three communal fasts, what eating rule applies — and what is the analogy used?
Halachah 3 explicitly states that on the second series of three fasts, one eats and drinks only while it is still day — as on Yom Kippur — and once one has resolved to stop eating, one may not resume.
Question 3
Which group of women is required to fast only during the seven final fasts, not the earlier ones?
Halachah 5 specifies that only during these seven fasts are pregnant and nursing women obligated to fast; during the earlier fasts they are not required to, though they may not indulge in delicacies.
Question 4
What unique liturgical and public additions occur exclusively during the seven final fasts?
Halachah 7 lists these four exclusive additions to the seven final fasts: sounding trumpets, praying in the street, an elder's rebuke for repentance, and adding six blessings to both Shacharit and Mincha (totaling 24).
Question 5
After all thirteen communal fasts pass without rain, what marks the absolute endpoint for even the scholars' private fasts?
Halachah 9 rules that scholars fast until spring Nisan passes — defined as when the sun enters the zodiac sign of the bull (start of May). After that, rain would be a sign of curse, not blessing, so fasting ceases entirely.