Slichos
Question
Dear Rabbi: Given your recent comments on focussing davening on the key parts, would you agree that it is not mandatory to say Slichos during Elul and between Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur. In my case, I'm particularly wondering as I have great difficulty getting up in the morning normally.
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiSlichot are supposed to be before dawn, and then to pray before sunrise Kriat Shema, and after sunrise the Amida/Shemona Esrey. It is a special time of mercy. One should try to understand the simple meanings of the words you say. Getting up at 9 AM, rolling into the nearest Shteible (Synagogue), and saying Slichot, and then missing Zman Kriat Shema because of that...... That is a major mess, and certainly don't do this in the days before the judgment day. If it is difficult to get up in the morning for Slichot, try coming late, but being there for the last 10 minutes. Certainly there are things to do to help you in the AM. AA