Question
As we know, there are two main forms of Hebrew: Ashkenazi and Sefardi. And the most notable difference between them is the pronunciation of the last letter, the ת, as either an S or a T. Though the T-sound is considered Sefardi, I hear plenty of Ashkenazim using it. And I hear people who constantly switch around between the two, using them interchangeably, sometimes even in the same verse! (Example “YiTgadal V’YiSkadash”) How important is it to pronounce this letter according to one’s heritage? If one pronounces it differently from one’s family custom, is the prayer or blessing still valid? If a Torah reader pronounces it unlike his tradition, must he be corrected? How about if one suddenly decides to change because he joins a congregation that does it the other way or simply wants to?

Question
Hi-- I'm trying to find out more about the Ana BaKoach prayer. I know it is traditionally said during Kabbalat Shabbat. Is there another place in our daily or weekly liturgy where I might find it? Do you know when it first appeared as a prayer? What else can you tell me about it? Thanks!

Question
I read that there’s a request to pray for an Israeli soldier who was recently critically wounded in a shooting attack. His name was given as Netanel Ilan ben Shaina Tzipora. I notice that his name mentions his mother’s name. Why is that so? Thanks.

Question
I'm going on winter vacation out of the country. I'll probably be able to put together a minyan ,but we won't have a Sefer Torah to read from. Should we just skip the Torah reading, or would it be better to read it from a Chumash?

Question
Hi. Is one required to complete Shema by the latest time, or only to begin Shema by that time? Is there a difference of opinion? Thanks so much.

Question
Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. Thank you for answering my last question. Is it permitted on Shabbos to dry a kiddush cup with a piece of toilet paper, if one is not going to throw out the toilet paper afterwards but plans on using it after? Also, if one missed shacharis but was not o'nes (i.e., he was negligent) in missing it, on a day when mussaf and hallel are said, and the time for mincha has arrived, would he daven mincha first, and then hallel and then musaf, or in which order should he daven these prayers. Thanks a lot.

Question
Dear Respected Rabbi, Shalom! What do the commentaries state as to the first occurrence of rain? Did it begin only during Noah's floods time? Were the mists - Gen 2:6 - the sole watering agents till the Noah's floods? Thanks for your patient guidance for many years.  

Question
In שים שלום we ask "please give us ברכינו באור פניך וכו' bec. in the past you gave us through אור פניך a different list of good things e.g. תורת חיים ואהבת חסד. What happened to the original request טובה וברכה וכו'? What's the המשך? Why aren't we asking for תורת חיים and אהבת חסד? Why is the fact that it was used in the past grounds for granting it in the future?

Question
Hello, I am Aschkenz but I pray by עדות המיזרח / Sefaradi. I have came to know that from ראש חודש אלול till יום כיפור - תהילים כ"ז is recited twice a day; once after שחרית and once in the evening, for 40 days. My question is what if I missed a day ? Is it still counted?? Or what should be done? Also, what סליחות are meant to be recited each day, and until when? (Nusach Sfaradim is preferred) . Thank you יעקב