Prayer

Hi Rabbi, what is so important about the prayer of Shema? Thanks.

Dear Rabbi, I am a doctor. Is it appropriate for me to say any special prayers for the good health of my patients, besides of course treating them medically to the best of my ability? Thank you very much.

Dear Gateways Rabbi, what is so important about the prayer of saying the “Shma Yisrael”?

Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. In some Ashkenazi siddurim the line in "l'olam yihei adam" is written זֶרַע יִצְחָק יְחִידו. שֶׁנֶּעֱקַד עַל גַּבֵּי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ In other siddurim, the same line is written with "al gav hamizbeiach," not "al gabei." Again, in some siddurim the line in Tehillim 150 is written הַלְלוּהוּ בְּצִלְצְלֵי שָׁמַע. הַלְלוּהוּ בְּצִלְצְלֵי תְרוּעָה while in others it is written with a veis in the first "b'tziltzilei" and a beis in the second one. Lastly, in some siddurim it is written in the first blessing before Shema on Shabbos shacharis "שֶׁבַח יְקָר וּגְדֻלָּה. יִתְּנוּ לָאֵל מֶלֶךְ יוצֵר כּל. "La'el" is written, with a kometz under the first lamed, while in other siddurim a sh'va is under the same lamed. Which girsaos does Rabbi Lauffer use in his davening? Thanks a lot.

Hi Rabbi, what are the selichot prayers that are said around Rosh Hashana time, and when do we begin saying them this year? Thanks and Shana tova!

Dear Rabbi, I'm preparing a lesson for my synagogue on the concept of praying and Torah study being a merit for the well-being of someone sick. When did this practice begin and how exactly does it work? Thanks!

Dear Rabbi, Why is it customary to remain seated while reciting the Shma Yisrael prayer in the morning and the evening? It would seem that during such an important and central prayer, we should show the utmost respect and attention by standing. Thank you.

Hi Rabbi, I’ve seen some people sway during prayer and others stand still while praying. Which is the correct way? Thanks!

Dear Rabbi, would you please tell me about the "Kaddish Prayer" and why do mourners say it? Thank you very much.

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?