Q&A: Selichot — Too Long..
Selichot — Too Long..
Question
Hello,
Is the Rabbi accustomed to saying all of Selichot despite its length—which, pardon me, is rather burdensome? Especially the Selichot of the eve of Rosh Hashanah, which challenge even the veteran “Selichot pilots”?
In practice, the question is this: A. Does the Rabbi know of a custom of a shorter Selichot service (as mentioned, especially on the eve of Rosh Hashanah)? If so, I would be glad for a reference. B. Even if there is no such custom, would it be appropriate for someone who does not find himself in these long Selichot to “trim” here and there?
Thank you
Answer
You definitely can, and it is preferable, to shorten it as you see fit. Selichot is a custom, and especially the text of Selichot, and it should not be treated as binding Jewish law. And if there is no intention, then there is no point in saying it at all. It is just meaningless lip service.
Discussion on Answer
Ask Rabbi Re’em at Yeshivat Otniel, who “cut down the Selichot.”
At Yeshivat Pachad Yitzchak in Har Nof, from what I heard, they say only one piyyut.
As Rabbi Hutner said: Better a little without proper intention than a lot without any intention.
And is a shortening custom known to the Rabbi, or to any of the readers? (The synagogue will agree to shorten it if such a custom is found.)