Ask the Rabbi - Customs and Practices

Selichot on Rosh Hashana

Q: Should Noahides recite Selichot on Rosh Hashana, since it is a day of repentance?

Q: I would like to ask a question about reciting “Selichot” on Rosh Hashana. We know that this is a day of judgment for every human being in the world. The question is whether a Noahide should recite Selichot (special prayers asking for forgiveness) on this day, because Rosh Hashana is a day of repentance. It is a day when everybody is required to repent for the sins of the previous year. In addition, what other prayers should a Noahide say on this day?

A: Selichot are not recited on Rosh Hashana because in addition to the fact that it is a day of judgment it is also a holiday. The custom is to recite Selichot on the days before and after Rosh Hashana, following various different customs. Noahides should also dedicate these days to repentance. The text of the Selichot should be adjusted to be suitable for them.

Rabbi Oury Cherki

Rav Oury Cherki was born in Algeria in 1959 and grew up in France, and he made Aliyah in 1972. He studied at Merkaz Harav Yeshiva, which was founded by Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook. He performed his military service in the artillery branch of the IDF. He studied with Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook, Rav Yehuda Leon Ashkenazi (Manitou), Rav Shlomo Binyamin and Achlag. Rav Cherki heads the Israeli department of Machon Meir, and he is the Director of Brit Olam - the Noahide World Center. He teaches in many places throughout Israel. Rav Cherki is the spiritual leader of the "Beth Yehuda" community in Kiryat Moshe (Jerusalem). He has written many books on Jewish thought and philosophy.

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