Performed by Rabbi David Schneyer

Selichot are special prayers for forgiveness, properly pronounced "s'lee-KHOHT," but often pronounced "SLI-khus" in Ashkenazi communities. They are usually said on fast days, and also said during the period preceding Yom Kippur. In the Sephardic tradition, Selichot are said beginning with the month of Elul, through Yom Kippur to help worshipers direct their hearts and minds to the process of teshuvah, repentance. At the Selichot service, worshipers begin to examine their deeds of the past year, seeking forgiveness from God, and promising to improve their behavior in the New Year. In the Ashkenazic tradition, Selichot are begun at a time such that there will be ten daily opportunities for their recitation before and including Yom Kippur. This is based on the custom, once prevalent, that Jews would fast for ten days (eating at night) before and including Yom Kippur. In general, the proper time to say Selichot are at the end of the night, just before the morning, since this time is considered, according to Jewish Mysticism, a specially favorable time, in terms of the presence and closeness of God.