According to the elder's rebuke in Halacha 2, what example proves that God judges deeds rather than external signs of mourning?
Halacha 2 explicitly cites Jonah 3:10 — 'God saw their deeds' — contrasting it with the absence of any verse praising Nineveh's sackcloth or fasting, and pairs it with Joel 2:13, 'Rend your hearts and not your garments.'
Question 2
Which of the following is listed in Halacha 4 as a required qualification for the fast-day prayer leader?
Halacha 4 specifies that the chazan should have children but lack means and work in the field, with a sin-free household, be humble, appreciated by the community, and have a sweet voice. Being an elder is desirable but explicitly not required.
Question 3
What is the concluding blessing formula for the fifth of the six added blessings, which invokes Jonah?
Halacha 12 states the fifth blessing concludes: 'He who answered Jonah in the belly of the fish... Blessed are You, God, who answers in a time of distress' — because Jonah's own prayer began 'I cried out to God in my distress and He heard me.'
Question 4
In the Jerusalem Temple Mount ceremony (Halacha 15), what did the congregation respond after the chazan concluded each blessing?
Halacha 15 specifies that in Jerusalem, after the expanded blessing ending 'Blessed are You, God, Redeemer of Israel,' the people responded 'Blessed be His name and the glory of His kingdom for ever and ever' — unlike the standard Amen response used in all other communities (Halacha 13).
Question 5
According to Halacha 19, how much rain must penetrate cultivated (plowed) earth before the community may cease fasting?
Halacha 19 sets three thresholds by soil type: one handbreadth into parched earth, two into ordinary earth, and three handbreadths into cultivated earth — because cultivated, broken-up soil allows greater water penetration and therefore requires more rain to constitute a meaningful response.