Midnight Selichot Service • סליחות
A soulful night of Chassidic warmth, heartfelt melody, and awakening the inner essence of the soul.
מוצאי שבת קודש • התוועדות הכנה וסליחות ראשונות
Jewish Life Center • Cong. Sha'arei Israel • 7400 Falls of Neuse Rd
Inspirational Farbrengen
Gather for l'chaim, warm refreshments, uplifting stories, and contemplative Chassidic melodies (*Niggunim*) to enter the mindset of Teshuvah through joy and inward reflection.
Nusach Chabad Selichot
The traditional opening Selichot service recited after midnight, tapping into the transcendent revelation of the *Yud-Gimel Middot HaRachamim* and the *Kesser* (Crown) of Divine Will.
The Inner Dimension of Selichot • פנימיות הסליחות
In Chassidic thought, Selichot is not a time of somber fear, but of profound closeness. The Alter Rebbe teaches that during the month of Elul, "The King is in the field" - approachable and receiving everyone with a radiant countenance.
At the heart of the Selichot service is the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Divine Mercy. In Chassidut, this represents reaching beyond the standard order of creation (*Seder Hishtalshelut*) to touch the essential bond between G‑d and the *Neshama* (soul)—a level where true transformation, forgiveness, and renewal are granted instantly.
- ✔ Hebrew/English Text: Siddurim and Tehillat Hashem linear guides provided for all attendees.
- ✔ Soulful Niggunim: Melodies composed by the Chabad Rebbes to awaken genuine joy in Teshuvah.
Traditions & Customs: Chabad / Ashkenaz vs. Sephardic • מנהגי העדות
Across the Jewish world, communities observe the timing and poetic liturgy (*Piyyutim*) of Selichot according to their ancestral customs:
Selichot begins on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah (or the week prior if Rosh Hashanah falls early in the week) and continues daily through Yom Kippur. The prayers focus heavily on the themes of coronation, heartfelt supplication, and the 13 Attributes.
Sephardic communities begin reciting Selichot from the second day of Rosh Chodesh Elul and recite them daily for the entire 40-day period leading up to Yom Kippur, incorporating traditional Middle Eastern melodies and unique ancient poetry.
At Congregation Sha'arei Israel, our Sephardic community members occasionally organize a dedicated Nusach Edot HaMizrach Minyan for Selichot. If you would like to participate in or be notified of upcoming Sephardic Selichot services, please reach out to us so we can connect you with the minyan organizers.
Contact the Office / Rabbi →Planning to Join Us for the High Holidays?
Explore the complete schedule and reserve your seats for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
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