Question
I realize that God controls everything. Therefore I pray to Him that He help me in whatever I do, even for the small, insignificant things. The problem is, He doesn’t seem to hear. Why isn’t God answering my prayers?

Question
I understand that we need a minyan for the following: Torah reading, Barchu, Kaddish, Kedusha (repetition of Amidah) Please explain why a minyan is required for these prayers.

Question
Normally, we avoid petitionary prayers on Shabbat and Yom Tov. But how about if an individual or group of people are facing a crisis? Are petitionary prayers allowed on Shabbat or Yom Tov then? What I’m thinking of a lot is the coronavirus. So many people I know personally have it and their lives are on the line. And besides, everyone in the world is in danger. Is it permitted on Shabbat to pray to G-d for their recovery and a speedy end to this crisis, given that human lives are in danger?

Question
Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. Thank you for answering my last question. It says in seforim that one says "Baruch hu u'varuch shemo” at the end of each bracha in Shemoneh Esrei. But I have heard some people say "Baruch Shemo" instead. Is either one correct halachically, or only the former? Thanks a lot.

Question
Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. Thank you for answering my last question. Would one be allowed to text someone a greeting or any other type of texting conversation before he has davened shacharis and after dawn, or would this come under the prohibition of greeting people or otherwise talking to them before he has davened shacharis. Thanks a lot.

Question
"Adonai, s'fatai tiftach ufi yagid t'hilatecha" Opening line of the Amidah Is this line supposed to be recited every time we say the Amidah? Is it said at Shacharit, Musaf, Mincha, and Maariv? Is it a personal line said quietly or does the Cantor say it aloud? Is it said during the repetition of the Amidah? It seems that in my congregation it is only recited out loud periodically and with a special niggun. Thanks.
, ,

Question
Dear Rabbi, Why do many people "shuckle" back and forth during prayer? Isn't it disrespectful to sway back and forth when we are "talking" in our own way to God? Thanks!

Question
Dear Rabbi, I am searching for a Hebrew grammar book which has sigular and plural number charts, niqqud charts, and a large number of vocabulary of Hebrew words. Could you recommend this type of book? If you tell me the name of this type of Hebrew grammar book, I will try to buy this at online. How I can speak Hebrew fluently? Can you give me some advice for that please?