<HTML>I have to be careful in responding to this, as at least with regard to this issue, Moshe Sokolow is "Rabi, Alufi U'Myuda'i (cf. Pirkei Avot 6:3), thanks to his seminal monograph on prayers for rain, the first coherent explanation that I saw with regard to this confusing issue. Still, my understanding is that any prayer inserted in Shma Koleinu is appropriate. Just as my concern for my fellow Jew allows me to insert a prayer for his health, my concern for the Jews of Israel should allow me to insert a
prayer for rain on their behalf. Is there a "higher authority" out there who would like to take a stand on this?
Shalom</HTML>
