Chodesh Elul: Difference between revisions

==When to start saying Selichot==

# There are no Selichot on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:2 writes that there are no Selichot on [[Shabbat]]. </ref>

# The minhag Ashekenaz is to start saying Selichot from the Sunday before Rosh HaShana unless Rosh HaShana falls out on Monday or Tuesday, in which case, Ashkenazim start from two Sundays before Rosh HaShana. <Ref> The Rosh (Rosh Hashana 4:14) writes that a number of Geonim had the minhag of saying Selichot during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, while other places said them from [[Rosh Chodesh]] Elul because that is when Moshe was on Har Sinai receiving the second Luchot. While the Rambam (Teshuva 3:4) follows the minhag of the Geonim, S”A 581:1 writes that the Sephardic minhag is to say Selichot from [[Rosh Chodesh]] Elul. Rama 581:1, however, writes that the minhag Ashekenaz is to start saying Selichot from the Sunday before Rosh HaShana unless Rosh HaShana falls out on Monday or Tuesday, in which case, Ashkenazim start from two Sundays before Rosh HaShana. Mishna Brurah 581:6 explains that the reason that the preparation is no less than four days is because some had the custom to fast for ten days prior to [[Yom Kippur]], however, since one can’t fast on Rosh HaShana’s two days, [[Shabbat]] Shuvah, and Erev [[Yom Kippur]], one had to begin fasting four days prior to Rosh HaShana (see there for other reasons). </ref>

# Preferably, Selichot should be said at the end of the night before [[Olot HaShachar]]. <Ref> Mishna Brurah (Introduction to 581), Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:5 write that preferably, Selichot should be said at the end of the night before [[Olot HaShachar]]. </ref> However, if one delayed one can say it after [[Olot HaShachar]]. <Ref> Maamer Mordechai 34:5. </ref>However, it is permissible to say Selichot earlier in the night as long one one is sure not to start before Chatzot (halachic midnight). <Ref>  

The Magen Avraham 565:5 quotes the Arizal as saying that one should not say Selichot, particularly the 13 middot of rachamim, prior to Chatzot at night. The Birkei Yosef 581:1, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9, Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 2 and Mishna Brurah 565:12 agree. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 2:105) writes that although prior to Chatzot is not the ideal time, there is no prohibition to say Selichot at such a time, and as a Hora’at Sha’ah, one may be lenient. However, Rav Ovadyah Yosef (Chazon Ovadyah Yamim Nora’im p. 3-6) argues that there is a prohibition based on Kabbalah. He concludes that if the  

## Some say one may say Selichot according to when Chatzot is in Israel, however majority of halachic authorities disagree. <Ref> Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim beginning) brings two opinions without drawing a conclusion. In the English edition of Yalkut Yosef (vol 14 pg 49 in note 4), the author writes clearly in name of Rav Ovadyah that one may not rely on this leniency and each place must not say Selichot prior to chatzot in that locale. Rav Ovadyah in Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 4) writes clearly that this isn't an acceptable leniency. </ref>

# Those congregations who aren't able to rise early to say Selichot should nonetheless say Selichot in the morning before Shacharit or even in the afternoon before Mincha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 6-7), Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 10, Yechave Daat 1:46. In Iggerot Moshe OC 2:105, Rav Moshe permits under extenuating circumstances to recite selichot after 1/3 of the night has passed. [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5757/nitzavim.html Rav Doniel Neustadt says this shouldn't be relied upon on a consistent basis. </ref>  

# On Erev Rosh HaShana one should make an extra effort to get up early to say Selichot before [[Olot HaShachar]]. <Ref> Maamer Mordechai 34:5 </ref>

# Although one shouldn't say the Yud Gimmel Middot before chatzot of the night, one is permitted to listen to them via a recording in order to practice the words and the tunes. <ref> Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 20. See also page 21 where he writes that if one hears the 13 middot or kaddish via a live feed, he should answer, but if it isn't live then he doesn't answer. </ref>

# One must say Brachot HaTorah before saying Selichot because there are a number of pesukim in Selichot. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 5) based on Shulchan Aruch 46:9 and Rambam in Sh"t Peor Hador 104, Birkei Yosef 46:14, Mishna Berura 46:27. Aruch Hashulchan 46:14 says this isn't necessary based on the Rama in 46:9 that allows saying pesukim that are said as supplication to be said without reciting birkot hatorah first. </ref>

# The Selichot should be said with proper intent (Kavanah), slowly, and with humility, especially during the Yud Gimmel Middot HaRachamim. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 20) </ref>

# One should be careful to pause in between the two names of Hashem in the Yud Gimmel Middot HaRachamim. <ref>magen Avraham 565:5, Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 32), Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 14 </ref>

# One should bow slightly when saying Hashem Hashem in the Yud Gimmel Middot HaRachamim. <ref> Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 32) </ref>