Many people have been to the Western Wall at some point in their lives. But have you ever been there for the special Selichot prayers?
Selichot Prayers at the Western Wall
Starting at the beginning of the month of Elul – which precedes the month of Tishrei and the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipper – some sects of Jews gather to start reciting the Selichot prayers. Selichot are special prayers said during the time leading up to the High Holidays (they are also said on fast days in the Jewish calendar). Other Jews start the Selichot prayers a few days before Rosh Hashana. This video shows the first Selichot service at the Western Wall of 2023.
It is stunning to see so many Jews gather together in prayer. Selichot contain different sets of prayers where Jews call out to G-d and repent. Seeing how many Jews care to cry out to G-d and beg for His forgiveness is amazing.
We all make mistakes. Nobody is perfect. But do we want to improve? G-d does not expect us to be perfect. But what do we do when we sin? Do we try to fix our actions for the future? Do we take small steps toward improvement and growth?
In Mishlei, or the Book of Proverbs, it says “The King’s glory is in a multitude of people.” When more people come together to call out to G-d, to pray, and to perform His commandments, it glorifies G-d’s name. You can feel how remarkable it is that so many gather at the Western Wall for these special prayers that lead up to the High Holidays.