Selichot

Selichot History

Selichot is an important observance in Jewish tradition dedicated to repentance, prayer, and seeking forgiveness in the lead-up to the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The term "Selichot" refers to a series of penitential prayers and hymns, which focus on themes of mindfulness, personal reflection, and atonement. The key aspects of the observance include late-night or pre-dawn synagogue services, featuring recitation of Selichot prayers, pleas for forgiveness, sounding of the shofar (ram's horn), and the singing of solemn melodies.

While the exact origins of Selichot are unclear, the observance is believed to have roots in biblical times and has evolved over centuries to adapt to various Jewish communities around the world, including the United Kingdom. Ashkenazi Jews begin Selichot on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, with services typically held late at night or early in the morning, featuring specific piyutim and melodies unique to their tradition. In contrast, Sephardi Jews start Selichot at the beginning of Elul, reciting prayers uniformly each morning, reflecting their diverse cultural influences. For people of Jewish religion, Selichot is an opportunity to engage in a period of self-examination, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the High Holy Days. The observance reinforces the importance of repentance and communal support on the journey towards atonement and spiritual renewal.

In the United Kingdom, Selichot is observed predominantly within synagogues, where congregants gather for special services led by rabbis and cantors. The services often involve readings from the Torah and Talmud, in addition to traditional prayers and hymns. Community events may also be organised, such as educational workshops and discussions, to further explore the themes and teachings of Selichot. The specific date of Selichot varies depending on whether a congregation follows Ashkenazi or Sephardi customs, with most UK congregations adhering to the Ashkenazi tradition of commencing Selichot services on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, if it falls later than four days into the week.

Selichot facts

• For many Orthodox Jews, Selichot prayers are added to the daily cycle of religious services. Selichot are recited before normal daily shacharit (morning prayers) service. They add about 45 minutes to the regular daily service in a typical service.
• This is the season to begin the process of asking forgiveness for wrongs done to other people. According to Jewish tradition, God cannot forgive us for sins committed against another person until we have first obtained forgiveness from the person we have wronged.
• According to Ashkenazi custom in the UK, the first Selichot service is held usually on the Saturday night preceding Rosh Hashanah. The service takes place around midnight and is often followed by an all-night study session. The midnight service is intended to symbolize the community's dedication to seeking forgiveness and spiritual growth during the High Holy Days.
• Selichot services often feature cantors and choirs who perform the haunting and emotive melodies unique to the period of the High Holy Days. These ancient tunes aim to inspire a sense of awe and repentance in the congregation during the period of introspection and reflection.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Selichot

Top things to do in the UK for Selichot

• Use this period of time to forgive and ask for forgiveness. This is often difficult to do between life partners, parents and children.
• Many people visit cemeteries at this time, because the awe-inspiring nature of this time makes us reflect on our own life, death, and mortality. Consider visiting the graves of your ancestors, soldiers, or anyone who may have made a positive impact on society.
• Visit the Bevis Marks Synagogue in London. This is the oldest synagogue in the UK and is famous for its Selichot services.
• Check out the Jewish Museum London. The museum hosts Selichot events and workshops during the holiday season, providing an educational and cultural experience for visitors.

Selichot references