Like the Western secular New Year, Rosh Hashanah signifies a time for a new beginning. It symbolizes a time for letting go of the trials and events of the past. But unlike in Western secular thinking, Judaism believes that one cannot truly “begin anew” without reconciling the errors of the past, and making amends through repentance and forgiveness.

That act of contrition is symbolized by Selichot, a series of penitential prayers that Jews say just prior to and throughout the Rosh Hashanah period. The traditions observed vary greatly according to each community. Ashkenazi and Sephardic customs for example, differ according to how long Selichot is observed. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and other movements vary in the way they acknowledge the tradition.

Orthodox Selichot Prayers During Rosh Hashanah

In Ashkenazi communities, Selichot begins at the end of Shabbat, approximately four days before erev Rosh Hashanah (or at the end of Shabbat the previous week if the new year begins during the beginning of the week).

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