Q&A: Selichot Before Midnight
Selichot Before Midnight
Question
Hello Rabbi,
In light of the situation, a group was organized in our neighborhood to recite Selichot in the parking lot at 10:00 PM. A friend remarked to me today that this might not be correct from a halakhic standpoint. After a quick search online, I saw all kinds of strange and differing opinions about it. My understanding (as a first-order halakhic ruling ☺) is that there is no problem with it at all. I would be very glad to know your opinion on the matter.
Thank you, and may you be inscribed and sealed for good.
Answer
Indeed, it does not seem to me that there is any problem with this. True, it goes against the custom, but considerations of convenience and effectiveness can certainly justify such a deviation. The various opinions on this matter have no real significance. This is not a halakhic question. So this is not a matter of halakhic ruling, neither first-order nor second-order.
Discussion on Answer
Isn’t this connected to Kabbalah and the strictures? Because specifically among ordinary householders it is customary to have a Selichot minyan relatively early, before midnight, isn’t it?
I have no idea why this is connected. I’m not really interested in these customs and their roots. That is a matter for sociology, not for Jewish law, or for analysis and thought.
Thank you.
P.S.
If you say that this is not first-order, isn’t that itself first-order?!