Q&A: Selichot
Selichot
Question
Elul is almost here, and the Selichot festival is about to begin.
I’m asking in complete seriousness, without the slightest trace of cynicism: don’t you think that saying three times a day in the confession that I am an adulterer and a thief, etc., is appropriate only for people who are psychologically healthy? And for those who are psychologically healthy, couldn’t it harm their mental health?
Answer
First, if you are convinced that you have not fallen into a particular sin, don’t say it. But both adultery and theft also have subtler shades, enough said. In a communal confession, perhaps there is room to say everything, because the whole community says it about itself as a whole.
That is regarding the essential point. As for the psychological question—whether there is harm—I don’t think so. If you think that in your case there is, then you are unusual and taking it harder than the average person. In any case, if it harms you, then that is only with regard to those things you did not actually stumble in, and about those you should not say them. About things in which you did stumble, say them, but you are not obligated to repeat them again and again.
There are people who say Selichot for a whole month and turn into beasts and fill up with destructive evil and baseless hatred, and destroy the Jewish people.
So do like me:
Don’t say too many Selichot. Stay a mensch. Be decent and good toward your people and toward God.