Shacharis and Selichos
The congregation does not recite Aneinu by Shacharis. The chazzan, however, recites Aneinu during chazaras hashatz (as a separate berachah between Goel Yisroel and Refaeinu).
Since today is Thursday, Selichos are recited after the paragraph Misratezeh berachamim in Tachanun.
New editions of Tehillas Hashem feature Selichos in a seamless format. See below, “Hosafos,” for the correct order of Selichos according to the pages of the older editions of Tehillas Hashem.
Selichos are followed by the long Avinu Malkeinu, Va’anachnu lo neda, Chatzi Kaddish, and krias hatorah. For more on Shacharis and Selichos, see below, “Hosafos.”
Krias Hatorah
Vayechal is read during both Shacharis and Minchah. The congregation recites aloud the pesukim of Shuv meicharon apecha, Hashem Hashem Keil rachum vechanun (until venakei), and vesalachta, followed by the baal korei.
For more on krias hatorah, see below, “Hosafos.”
Machatzis Hashekel
Before Minchah, give machatzis hashekel by giving to tzedakah three half-coins of the established currency of the current time and place. (In the United States, use three half-dollars.)
In places where half-coins are uncommon (such as in the United States), the gabbaim prepare three half-coins for the community to use. Acquire the half-coins by placing money into the plate or pushka in their stead and then lifting them. Give the half-coins to tzedakah by depositing them back into the plate or pushka.
There is a widespread custom to give machatzis hashekel on behalf of each family member.
Children should be encouraged to give machatzis hashekel using their own money. Parents should help them do this, and make sure they have sufficient money left over for their personal needs.
If you did not give machatzis hashekel before Minchah today, give it before the megillah reading on Purim morning.
Minchah
After Ashrei and Chatzi Kaddish, Vayechal is read from the Torah. The one who receives the third aliyah also serves as maftir, reading Dirshu Hashem behimatz’o, followed by three berachos (until magen david). Chatzi Kaddish is not said between shlishi and the haftorah.
After the haftorah is read, the Sefer Torah is returned to the aron kodesh and Chatzi Kaddish is recited, followed by Shemoneh Esrei.
Say Aneinu in Shema Koleinu where indicated (unless you are not fasting). See below, “Hosafos,” for the laws that apply if you forgot to say Aneinu.
The chazzan says Aneinu as a separate berachah between Goel Yisroel and Refaeinu. He also says Birchas Kohanim.
We don’t say Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu, due to it being Erev Purim.
Divrei Kivushin
The Rebbe revived the custom of saying divrei kivushin (words that arouse the listeners to teshuvah) after Minchah on fast days. Wherever possible, at least a few words of inspiration should be shared, or a relevant chapter of Tehillim should be recited.
If this cannot be arranged, at least reflect on the theme of teshuvah as it relates to this day, and Hashem will consider these thoughts as having been verbalized.
