Page 8 - Chayei Adam LAYOUT sivan 5782

Chayei Adam - K’lal 138 - The Laws of Selichos and Erev Rosh Hashana

shall make an olah” to teach us that on Rosh Hashana we should view it as if we
are offering ourselves. For this reason, they established [to say selichos for] four
days so that we can check ourselves from the blemishes of sin and repent. 20

21
]3[ A mourner is forbidden from leaving his house to go to shul to say
selichos except on erev Rosh Hashana when we say many selichos. 22 In places
where the custom is to say many selichos on erev Yom Kippur as well, [a mourner
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may go to shul].
24
]4[ When choosing a shaliach tzibur for selichos and the yomim noraim, one
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should be careful to find the most fitting and righteous one possible. He should
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be over thirty so that he has passed the passion of his youth and is humbled,
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and he should be married. Anyone who helps an unfit shaliach tzibur has stolen
from the congregation and will have to answer for it. I find it very disturbing that
which I have seen people choose a chazan who sings nicely, as the Magen
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Avraham writes in the name of the Maharshal that the chazanim who draw out

םדו רשב

20. Accordingly, one should understand 23. Magen Avraham, although our custom
what he is saying when he says the selichos. is to say very few selichos on erev Yom Kippur.
Therefore, it is well worthwhile to take the
time to look over the selichos and its 24. The Rema writes that whoever serves
translation in advance. Failing this, it is as the chazan for selichos should also serve as
preferable to say less of liturgy while trying to shaliach tzibur for the rest of the day, and
understand it than keeping up with the rest of according to some, even from maariv the
the congregation. night before. זי According to the Magen
וט
Avraham, he takes precedence over a mourner
21. During the seven days of shiva when or even someone observing a yahrtzeit where
mourning over a close relative a person must
remain at home. (Yoreh De’ah 393:2) This leading the tzibur is otherwise colloquially
referred to as an absolute requirement. See
חי
restriction applies to the first day (or night) of
selichos as well. however, Elya Rabba who disagrees. While
many communities do not adhere to this
22. Rema based on Piskei Maharai who completely, it is common practice for the one
permits this due to the great need. Once the who led selichos to continue serving as chazan
mourner is in the shul for selichos, he may stay for Shacharis, yet not all communities adhere
for Shacharis (Mateh Efraim). to this either and each place should follow its
זט

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