As the High Holy Days approach, Jewish communities around the world enter a time of reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. One of the most profound and time-honored traditions during this period is Selihot, a series of penitential prayers recited in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. While Selihot is practiced globally, experiencing it in Israel provides a unique and deeply spiritual connection, as the land itself is steeped in centuries of Jewish history and tradition.
What is Selihot?
Selihot, meaning “forgiveness” in Hebrew, are prayers that focus on seeking atonement and divine mercy. Recited during the final days of the Jewish calendar, these prayers serve as spiritual preparation for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The essence of Selihot lies in encouraging repentance, humility, and self-examination, as individuals seek a meaningful renewal for the year ahead.
While Ashkenazi Jews begin reciting Selihot on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, Sephardic Jews start earlier, from the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul, about a month before Rosh Hashanah. These prayers are traditionally recited in the early morning hours, just before dawn, adding to the atmosphere of reflection and anticipation.
Selihot at the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem
One of the most moving places to experience Selihot in Israel is at the Kotel in Jerusalem. As the holiest site in Judaism, the Kotel is a remnant of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 CE, and has been a central place of Jewish prayer for centuries.
During Selihot, the pre-dawn hours at the Kotel fill with thousands of worshippers, all gathered to seek forgiveness and renewal. The sense of history and connection to Jewish tradition is palpable, as the ancient stones have borne witness to generations of prayers. The experience of Selihot at the Kotel, in such a spiritually charged atmosphere, is especially profound and creates a feeling of collective unity among those in attendance.
If you want to listen to a traditional Selihot prayer, you can check one out here: Selihot at the Kotel
For a more modern version, you can check out Hanan Ben Ari’s version: Adon HaSelihot by Hanan Ben Ari and EZ
Selihot in Safed and Tel Aviv
While Jerusalem holds a special place in Selihot observance, the tradition is also celebrated across Israel, each city offering its own unique atmosphere. In Safed (Tzfat), known for its Kabbalistic heritage, Selihot prayers are recited in ancient synagogues that have stood for centuries. The city’s mystical aura, with its winding streets and artistic presence, provides a tranquil and reflective backdrop for these prayers.
Tel Aviv, on the other hand, offers a more modern setting for Selihot. Despite its reputation as Israel’s bustling metropolis, the city has many historic synagogues where Selihot services are held. Some communities gather in outdoor spaces, offering a quiet and reflective experience against the backdrop of the modern city. This blend of tradition and contemporary life highlights the diversity of Jewish observance in Israel.
Selihot Traditions Across Israel
Beyond Jerusalem, Safed, and Tel Aviv, Selihot services are observed in cities and towns across Israel. Communities in Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and smaller towns offer their own distinct customs and atmospheres. In many smaller settings, Selihot services provide a more intimate space for reflection and personal prayer. Whether in grand synagogues or small community spaces, the essence of Selihot remains the same—seeking repentance and spiritual renewal.
Themes and Melodies of Selihot

The core themes of Selihot revolve around repentance, mercy, and introspection. Central to the Selihot liturgy is the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, drawn from the Torah. These attributes describe God as compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger, inviting worshippers to seek divine forgiveness while also striving to improve their own behavior and character.
The melodies of Selihot, often slow and haunting, add emotional depth to the prayers. These tunes, passed down through generations, serve as a reminder of the continuity of Jewish heritage. Whether in a large synagogue or a modest prayer hall, the atmosphere of Selihot is filled with a sense of communal unity and collective reflection.
The tradition of Selihot in Israel offers an opportunity for deep reflection and spiritual growth. Whether observed in the ancient city of Jerusalem, the mystical surroundings of Safed, or the modern streets of Tel Aviv, the prayers of Selihot connect worshippers to centuries of Jewish tradition. As individuals prepare for the High Holy Days, Selihot offers a time to pause, reflect, and seek renewal.