If these [fasts] have passed and were not [favorably] answered, we lessen from engaging in business transactions; from erecting buildings and planting; and from betrothings, weddings, and mutual greetings, like men who have been rebuked [and, so to speak, put] in their place. Private individuals return to fasting until the end of the month of Nissan. If Nissan has elapsed, and then the rain falls (some change the words to read "without rain," though not all. Due to the verse quoted, it seems that the phrase should be left out), it must be considered as a curse, for thus it is written [I Samuel 12:17], "Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain (proving through context that rain during the harvest season is a curse)."
Bartenura on Mishnah Taanit
בבנין ובנטיעה – and specifically joyous building, such as a wedding hall to conduct his wedding; or joyous planting, such as a large tree throwing a shadow (forming a tent) over the ground (see Mishnah Ohalot Chapter 8, Mishnah 2) to carry the kings underneath. But a home to live in or the planting of a tree for its fruit is permitted.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Taanit
Introduction
In the final mishnah of this chapter we learn what the community would do if all of their fasts had not worked and God still had not sent rain.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Taanit
יצא ניסן הגשמים סימן קללה – when rain did not fall at all prior to the end of Nisan. And all of these laws [apply] in the Land of Israel and areas similar to it, but the further islands – at the time when tie r rains are not like the time of the rains in the Land of Israel, each person prays for rain at the time that he needs them. And if the known time has passed and rains have not fallen, the Jewish court of that place decrees fasts on the community after individuals have fasted according to the order taught in our Mishnah.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Taanit
If these passed and there was [still] no answer then they restrict engaging in business, and in building, planting, betrothal and marriage, and in greeting one another, as if they were people undesirable to God. By this point, it seems that the fasts just aren’t going to be effective. They therefore go into a state of semi-mourning. They cut back on the normal creative activities of life, perhaps as a symbol that all around them there is death. By this point, the crops have probably died, many animals have probably died and people’s health and wellbeing is in great danger. Indeed, it seems that God has rejected the entire community; it is as if He put them into a state of excommunication. The community is in despair and until things are set aright, they make few plans for the future.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Taanit
The individuals go back to fasting anew until the end of Nisan. The community no longer takes upon itself more fasts. Only those individual leaders, those who began fasting at the outset, go back to fasting. These are people whose merit was supposed to help bring rain in the first place. In essence, the failure to achieve rain is partially seen as being their fault.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Taanit
If Nisan passes and then rain falls this is a sign of a curse, as it is written, “It is the season of the wheat harvest. [I will pray to the Lord and He will send thunder and rain; then you will take thought and realize what a wicked thing you did in the sight of the Lord when you asked for a king” (I Samuel 12:17). If Nisan, the last rainy month passes, and then it rains, this too is perceived as a curse. Rain in Nisan in the land of Israel will further damage the crops. It is if God is being particularly cruel, not giving rain at the proper time and then giving it at the improper time. The prooftext demonstrates quite clearly that rain at the improper time is a way of God rebuking the people of Israel.
