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==When to start saying Selichot== | ==When to start saying Selichot== | ||
# The Sephardic minhag is to say Selichot from the day after [[Rosh Chodesh]] Elul. <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. Mishna Brurah 581:1 explains that S”A means from [[Rosh Chodesh]] and not [[Rosh Chodesh]] itself. Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:1, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9, Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 1 agree that such is the Sephardic minhag. This is also quoted by the Arizal in Shaar Hakavanot 89:4, Ravyah 542, Machzor Vitri 323, Kol Bo 65. In Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 1 he explains that the reason for this is that tradition says that rosh chodesh elul is the day Moshe went up to Sinai the second time for forty days which were days of prayer and begging for mercy for the Jewish people, ending on Yom Kippur which which was the day of atonement. </ref> | # The Sephardic minhag is to say Selichot from the day after [[Rosh Chodesh]] Elul. <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. Mishna Brurah 581:1 explains that S”A means from [[Rosh Chodesh]] and not [[Rosh Chodesh]] itself. Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:1, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9, Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 1 agree that such is the Sephardic minhag. This is also quoted by the Arizal in Shaar Hakavanot 89:4, Ravyah 542, Machzor Vitri 323, Kol Bo 65. In Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 1 and Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9 he explains that the reason for this is that tradition says that rosh chodesh elul is the day Moshe went up to Sinai the second time for forty days which were days of prayer and begging for mercy for the Jewish people, ending on Yom Kippur which which was the day of atonement. </ref> | ||
# There are no Selichot on [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:2 writes that there are no Selichot on [[Shabbat]]. </ref> | # 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> | # 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> | ||
==When should Selichot be said?== | ==When should Selichot be said?== | ||
# 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> | # 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 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 | 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 | ||
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 | congregation can’t wake up to say Selichot at night, it may say them during the day before Shacharit or Mincha. Kaf HaChaim 581:1,2, and Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:4 hold that one should only say Selichot after Chatzot and if one had a minhag to say it earlier one should change the minhag. Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 2-3) as well as Yechave Daat 1:46 and his son in Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9 agree that it forbidden to say Selichot before Chatzot, which he clearly spells out is 12 halachic hours after midday which is 6 halachic hours after sunrise. Shaare Teshuvah 581:1 quotes the Birkei Yosef that if you find yourself in a minyan saying selichot before chatzot, that you shouldn't answer to the 13 middot.</ref> | ||
congregation can’t wake up to say Selichot at night, it may say them during the day before | |||
Shacharit or Mincha. Kaf HaChaim 581:1,2, and Maamer Mordechai (Rav Mordechai Eliyahu) 34:4 hold that one should only say Selichot after Chatzot and if one had a minhag to say it earlier one should change the minhag. Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 2-3) as well as Yechave Daat 1:46 and his son in Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 9 agree that it forbidden to say Selichot before Chatzot, which he clearly spells out is 12 halachic hours after midday which is 6 halachic hours after sunrise. Shaare Teshuvah 581:1 quotes the Birkei Yosef that if you find yourself in a minyan saying selichot before chatzot, that you shouldn't answer to the 13 middot.</ref> | |||
## 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> | ## 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> | # 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> | # 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. </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> | ||
==Order of Selichot== | ==Order of Selichot== | ||
# 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> | # 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> | ||
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# A Torah scholar (Talmid Chacham) who isn't able to wake up for Selichot because he is learning in the early hours of the morning and by going to Selichot it will ruin his schedule he should try to go to Selichot during the Aseret Yamei Teshuva (Ten days of Repentance) and some days of Elul. However, if he is up passed Chatzot it's preferable to say some paragraphs of Selichot and Tikkun Chatzot (which takes precedence over Selichot). <ref> Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 8-10), Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 11, Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 2:28:8-9, Sh"t Yabia Omer YD 4:19, Sh"t Yechave Daat 3:44 </ref> | # A Torah scholar (Talmid Chacham) who isn't able to wake up for Selichot because he is learning in the early hours of the morning and by going to Selichot it will ruin his schedule he should try to go to Selichot during the Aseret Yamei Teshuva (Ten days of Repentance) and some days of Elul. However, if he is up passed Chatzot it's preferable to say some paragraphs of Selichot and Tikkun Chatzot (which takes precedence over Selichot). <ref> Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 8-10), Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 11, Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 2:28:8-9, Sh"t Yabia Omer YD 4:19, Sh"t Yechave Daat 3:44 </ref> | ||
# Teachers who teach in the morning and getting up early for Selichot would prevent them from doing their job well should only get up for Selichot some days in Elul and during the Aseret Yimei Teshuva. The same is true for hired workers and officials (who would have their work impacted by rising early). Nonetheless, it's preferable to at least say Selichot to oneself before Shacharit or Mincha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 10), Yabia Omer OC 2:28:8 </ref> | # Teachers who teach in the morning and getting up early for Selichot would prevent them from doing their job well should only get up for Selichot some days in Elul and during the Aseret Yimei Teshuva. The same is true for hired workers and officials (who would have their work impacted by rising early). Nonetheless, it's preferable to at least say Selichot to oneself before Shacharit or Mincha. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 10), Yabia Omer OC 2:28:8 </ref> | ||
# One should make an effort to say Selichot with fervor and strength and not fall asleep during davening until the very end. This is especially the case for someone wearing [[Tefillin]] for whom it is forbidden to sleep. It's better not to wake up early for Selichot if it will end up ruining the prayers and and cause one to fall asleep with Tefillin. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 10-11) </ref> | # One should make an effort to say Selichot with fervor and strength and not fall asleep during davening until the very end. This is especially the case for someone wearing [[Tefillin]] for whom it is forbidden to sleep. It's better not to wake up early for Selichot if it will end up ruining the prayers and and cause one to fall asleep with Tefillin. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 10-11), Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 12, Chida in Moreh Bietzbah 245 </ref> | ||
# If one doesn't have | # If one doesn't have sufficient time to say all of Selichot because the time for Tefillah has arrived, one should skip "Im Afes Rovah Haken", "Bezichrei Al Mishkavi", "Lemitvadeh Chatatav", and "Aylecha Hashem Naasati Aynay", according to the need. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, p. 33)</ref> | ||
==Selichot without a minyan== | ==Selichot without a minyan== | ||
# An individual may say the Selichot that don’t include the thirteen attributes <ref> Mishna Brurah 581:4, Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 11). </ref> One can however, read the Yud Gimmel middot (13 attributes) with the cantillation as if he is simply reading the torah. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:47, Yalkut Yosef Tefilla 2: page 131, Chazon Ovadia yamim Noraim 27, http://halachayomit.co.il/EnglishDefault.asp?HalachaID=2135. Iggerot Moshe YD 3:21 allows them to be recited without a minyan as long you use any melody other than the one used for prayer, and doesn't require that it be the same cantilations as the torah. </ref> Without a minyan, one also cannot recite the paragraphs that are in aramaic. <ref> Mateh Efraim 581:21, Yabia Omer 10:footnotes to Rav Pealim OC 3:41 </ref> | # An individual may say the Selichot that don’t include the thirteen attributes <ref> Mishna Brurah 581:4, Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 11). </ref> One can however, read the Yud Gimmel middot (13 attributes) with the cantillation as if he is simply reading the torah. <ref> Yechave Daat 1:47, Yalkut Yosef Tefilla 2: page 131, Chazon Ovadia yamim Noraim 27, [[http://halachayomit.co.il/EnglishDefault.asp?HalachaID=2135 Halacha Yomit]]. Iggerot Moshe YD 3:21 allows them to be recited without a minyan as long you use any melody other than the one used for prayer, and doesn't require that it be the same cantilations as the torah. </ref> | ||
# Without a minyan, one also cannot recite the paragraphs that are in aramaic. <ref> Mateh Efraim 581:21, Yabia Omer 10:footnotes to Rav Pealim OC 3:41 </ref> | |||
# An individual can say the paragraph of kel maleh even though it says zechor lanu hayom... in the plural. <ref> Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 13, Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 30 </ref> | |||
# If there’s not a minyan when the tzibbur said Ashrei, they should wait to have a minyan to say Kaddish and when they get a minyan they first say 3 pesukim before reciting Kaddish. <ref>Mishna Brurah 581:4 quoting the Eliyah Rabba </ref> | # If there’s not a minyan when the tzibbur said Ashrei, they should wait to have a minyan to say Kaddish and when they get a minyan they first say 3 pesukim before reciting Kaddish. <ref>Mishna Brurah 581:4 quoting the Eliyah Rabba </ref> | ||
# If there was a minyan in the beginning and then some people left, they can continue and even say Kaddish after Selichot. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 581:4. Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 23 says not to say the kaddish titkabal at the conclusion of selichot if you no longer have ten people. </ref> | # If there was a minyan in the beginning and then some people left, they can continue and even say Kaddish after Selichot. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 581:4. Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 23 says not to say the kaddish titkabal at the conclusion of selichot if you no longer have ten people. </ref> | ||
