It is that time of the year again.

Unfortunately, not only is our great country short on the various natural resources many of our neighboring countries have, such as water, oil and natural gases, but we are also short on rain that would replenish our water sources, and water the fields during the winter months.

With this year expected to be the 7th year in a row of drought conditions, the initial early rains are being considered fairly insignificant, as we have had nothing since, and those rains too were very small. That means we have once again reached the point, unfortunately, where the rabbis are calling on the public to add the extra prayer for rain into the davening.

Yesterday Rav Neuwirth said it is time to start saying the aneinu prayer for rain. Many shuls have already begun saying the aneinu.

The Chief Rabbis of Israel have declared Thursday to be an individual fast day.

The Badatz has responded to the pleas of a number of farmers that approached them, and they too have announced that the time has come to start saying the aneinu prayer for rain.

So start praying for rain, if you haven't already begun.. We need every drop..