Navigating the Selichot

Selichot are special prayers said in the run-up to Rosh Hashana and between Yom Kippur. They are recited after midnight (according to halachic time which divides nightime in half from nightfall to dawn to get midnight) or in the morning before Shacharit. For more basic information about Selichot, look at this www.ou.org/chagim/elul/selichotbasic.htm
The edition pictured on the left is the standard Utd. Syn. edition. Copies are available for use in the Shul. It was edited by Rabbi Abraham Rosenfeld. Copies are available for purchase in Jewish bookstores. This picture is from Nehora.com bookstore.

Sometimes, Selichot are said very fast which can cause difficulty for those with limited time, limited Hebrew or limited lungpower. Here are some pointers which I hope will help you make the most out of the selichot. Although most of the selichot can be said alone (see below for details), you get a much richer experience in Shul. This week, Tuesday morning selichot start at 7am. On Wednesday, when the selichot are much longer, we start at 6.45am followed by breakfast. On both days, the selichot are followed by the regular Shacharit service.

• The most important parts of the Selichot are the 13 principles of G-d's mercy, which start with the double recitation of G-d's Name. These, like Kaddish, are said only with a Minyan.
• The sections in between these principles are either Selicha prayers or the Pizmon, a prayer with a chorus for which the Aron Hakodesh (ark) is opened and ends the selicha section. All of the selicha prayers can be said in English. Whether you say them in Hebrew or in English, when the Chazan reaches the 13 principles, skip to say those with him and continue on with the Chazan. The 13 principles should be said in Hebrew but if you prefer to say the selicha prayers in English, it is fine to do so.
• Although it is preferable to stand for all of the Selichot prayers, you may sit if you are tired except for when the Aron Hakodesh is open, or for the 13 principles or for the vidu'i (confessional) prayers.
• Shema Koleinu, a well-known feature of the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur prayers, appears in the Selichot. Repeat the lines after the Chazan or just say them yourself if you are not with a Minyan.
• The Vidu'i prayers come towards the end of the selichot. At the passages starting 'Ashamnu', the custom is to beat your chest lightly upon reciting each word. Our custom is to recite this paragraph three times. If however you run out of time, it is sufficient to say it once, which was the opinion of the great Vilna Gaon, for example www.ou.org/about/judaism/rabbis/gaon.htm
• The Selichot prayers have a similar model to Mincha, starting with Ashrei, and concluding with Tachanun-style prayers at the end. If you are reciting Selichot with a Minyan immediately prior to Shacharit and the Chazan recites full Kadish (Kadish Titkabail) thus finishing Selichot before you, go straight to Shacharit with the Chazan.
• In conculsion, the main things to recite are the 13 principles (only with a minyan), the Pizmon, Shema Koleinu and Ashamnu. The other sections can be said in English. You should skip from the other sections to any of the main things mentioned in the previous sentence when the Chazan reaches them. When the Chazan starts Shacharit, so should you.
• A big yishar koach (high fives) to Harvey for being a tremendous Chazan for selichot and shaliach tzibbur (leader of communal prayer/Chazan) at South Hampstead in general.

Ps - There is breakfast after Shacharit on Wednesday morning. Thanks to Jon and Iz for sponsoring breakfast today. Happy birthday to Jon and, lehavdil, chayim aruchim to Iz.