Jewish Selichot Service

[Peregrino]

I attended a Selichot service tonight at a Conservative synagogue with a friend and it was a good experience. For lack of a better comparison, it was a repentance service, though it is not anything like the mass penance services offered in the Catholic church. The Jewish people believe that one must ask for forgiveness directly from those they have wronged or sinned against, or at least make the attempt. For sins against God they directly ask God. This is something that is to be done before Rosh Hashana.

The music and musicians were just incredible, with several haunting melodies that I was told were quite old. I am sure there are several Jewish forum members that can explain the Selichot better and do it justice.

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

jewfaq.org/elul.htm

 

[Zahava]

I attended a Selichot service tonight at a Conservative synagogue with a friend and it was a good experience. For lack of a better comparison, it was a repentance service, though it is not anything like the mass penance services offered in the Catholic church. The Jewish people believe that one must ask for forgiveness directly from those they have wronged or sinned against, or at least make the attempt. For sins against God they directly ask God. This is something that is to be done before Rosh Hashana.

The music and musicians were just incredible, with several haunting melodies that I was told were quite old. I am sure there are several Jewish forum members that can explain the Selichot better and do it justice.

Orthodox services leave out the music and musicians. Our tears and crys our haunting enough.

aish.com/literacy/concepts/Elul_The_Time_for_Closeness.asp

What nonJews may or may not realize is that they too are judged tthis time of year. G-d says this man will live…this young baby will die. This woman will be rich… this man will struggle with parnassa/work… This man will be healed… this child will become sick., etc. etc.