Tractate Taanit (“Fast”) is located in Seder Moed (“the Order of Festivals”). Its four chapters discuss laws and stories relating to fast days, with a focus on fast days enacted by Jewish courts in times of drought. The tractate also discusses praying for rain, the fast days of the 17th of Tamuz and Tisha B’Av, and the concept of ma’amadot, in which groups of laypeople witnessed sacrifices in the Temple or gathered to read Torah, pray, and fast while sacrifices were being offered.
