Tonight, the reading of Selichot began at the central “Golden Rose” Synagogue of Dnipro – special prayers traditionally recited in the final days before the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, in preparation for the Days of Judgment and spiritual renewal.
The first reading of Selichot took place at night, and subsequent readings will, according to tradition, be conducted early in the morning before each Shacharis prayer.
Selichot are not merely a recitation of special prayers, but also a time of deep inner work. The Lubavitcher Rebbe repeatedly emphasized that the main purpose of these days is to awaken a person’s heart to teshuvah, to help them reflect on the past year and prepare for the arrival of the new year. Central to Selichot is the recitation of the “Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy” (Shemos 34:6–7), which express the special closeness of the Almighty to man during the days of repentance.
This year’s first chazzan for Selichot was Rabbi Moishe Leib Weber, who led the nighttime prayer at the central “Golden Rose” Synagogue. In the coming days, the reading of Selichot will continue, bringing congregants together for communal prayer and preparation for the arrival of Rosh Hashanah.
