Selichot

24 - 29 Elul / Sep. 10 - 18

• Ashkenazim begin saying Selichot on Motzoei Shabbat Parshat Nitzavim-VaYelech, the evening of 24 Elul.
• Ashkenazim always begin saying Selichot on Motzei Shabbat as this is an auspicious time.
• There are always at least four days of Selichot.
• The Chazan should wear a Talit for Selichot (even if he is not married).
• It is best that the Chazzan borrow someone else's Talit if he's donning it while it's still dark.
• Selichot should be recited while standing. One who is unable to stand for the entire Selichot should at least stand for Kel Melech, the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, and Shema Koleinu.
• If one is in a Shul where Selichot are recited before chatzot, he should not recite the Selichot with the congregation but should rather wait until the right time, even if it means he will have to recite them without a minyan (see below).
• One who is saying Selichot without a minyan should omit the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (Hashem, Hashem) and the paragraphs in Aramaic (e.g., Machei umasei).
• Sefardim say Selichot the entire month of Elul (with the exception of Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat).
• From Monday, 25 Elul (Sept. 11), until Erev Rosh Hashanah, Selichot are recited in the early morning. Traditionally, the time to begin reciting Selichot is before dawn or at least before sunrise, as the end of the night is an auspicious time. One may recite Selichot later in the morning, but they should be recited before the normal time for morning prayers.
• If Ashrei was said before there was a minyan and afterwards the minyan formed, the chazzan should recite at least three verses of Tehillim before saying the half-Kaddish.

O.C. 581:1, Mateh Efrayim 581:12, 14, 17, 20, 21, 25, 34

• If there was a minyan for Selichot and then some people left before it was over, the chazzan may recite Kadish Titkabel after the Selichot as long as there are still six people present.
• Women who customarily do not go to shul when they are having their period may do so during the high holidays, beginning with the days of Selichot.
• There are some G-d-fearing people who fast for four of the days of Selchot as well as during the Ten days of Repentance.
• If one rises before dawn, he may recite all of the morning blessings besides hanotein lasechvi vinah (who gives wisdom to the rooster) etc. which should be recited after dawn. It is preferable to wash one’s hands again in the manner of negel vasser (6 times alternately) after dawn.