Like the Western secular New Year, Rosh Hashanah signifies a time for a new beginning. It symbolizes a time for letting go of the trials and events of the past. But unlike in Western secular thinking, Judaism believes that one cannot truly “begin anew” without reconciling the errors of the past, and making amends through repentance and forgiveness.
That act of contrition is symbolized by Selichot, a series of penitential prayers that Jews say just prior to and throughout the Rosh Hashanah period. The traditions observed vary greatly according to each community. Ashkenazi and Sephardic customs for example, differ according to how long Selichot is observed. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and other movements vary in the way they acknowledge the tradition.
Orthodox Selichot Prayers During Rosh Hashanah
In Ashkenazi communities, Selichot begins at the end of Shabbat, approximately four days before erev Rosh Hashanah (or at the end of Shabbat the previous week if the new year begins during the beginning of the week).
Orthodox Ashkenazi communities typically begin Selichot just after midnight on Sunday morning, in observance of the ancient belief that the gates of Heaven are at their widest (and thus most receptive to prayers of repentance) at that time.
Contemporary Traditions in North America and Israel
Many Conservative and Reform (Ashkenazi) synagogues hold services on Saturday night prior to midnight, and some incorporate the Selichot prayers into their morning minyan prayers. Some congregations complement this time of reflection with public events such as lectures, discussions focused on the topics relating to the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur. In Israel, lectures and discussions are sometimes scheduled during this period. Selichot serves as a time for Jews to come together spiritually, as well as to reflect on the events of the past year.
Sephardic Traditions - The Month of Elul
In Sephardic communities, the prayers are said throughout the Hebrew month of Elul (the month in which the new year begins), beginning on the second day of the month. According to Rabbi Eli J. Mansour of Daily Halacha.com, prayers are traditionally said around dawn, but can be said any time after midnight of each day.
The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy
A key aspect of Selichot is the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, which are said to have been imparted to Moses by G-d* after the events surrounding the golden calf in the desert in Exodus 34:6-7. According to the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 17b), G-d instructed the People of Israel to recite the Thirteen Attributes when they have sinned and seek forgiveness.
Some scholars have pointed out that this tradition is not really calling upon the community to repeat, or recite the Thirteen Attributes, but to perform them; to assume the qualities as their own. Thus, says the author of Ani L’dodi ve Dodi Li (I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved Is Mine), “(they) must be merciful, gracious and slow to anger and not merely utter these words with their mouths.” (p. 106). Selichot serves not only as a prayer, but as a sort of mnemonic reminder to our humanity and treatment of others.
Selicha in Modern Hebrew
The word "selichot" (selicha, sing.) means forgiveness. It is interesting to note that it is not just an antiquated expression derived from Old Hebrew; “selicha” can still be heard today in Modern Hebrew as a way of asking another for pardon for a mistake, or exculpation of a hurtful action. Thus, the traditions and lessons of the past still continue to take on a poignant meaning in everyday Jewish life.
*The use of "G-d" with the "o" removed is intentional. This is performed in order to prevent any intentional or unintentional deletion/destruction of His name, as is customary in traditional Jewish writings.
Additional Sources:
Myjewishlearning.com
Jewishvirtuallibrary.org
Poilezedek.org
Jan Lee - Jan Lee has been writing for online and print publications for more than 20 years and have been published in five countries.
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