Preparing for S’lichot and the High Holy Days

S’lichot, a Hebrew word meaning “forgiveness,” refers to the special penitential prayers recited by Jews throughout the High Holy Days. Jews recite S’lichot beginning late at night on the Saturday before Rosh HaShanah and continue each morning on the days between the New Year and Yom Kippur. Here, we’ve compiled a few of our resources that will help you plan for S’lichot services in your community, as well as for your own personal observance.

• A Study Guide for S’lichot
  This study guide is designed to help congregations create an evening of study for S’lichot and to usher in the High Holy Days in an atmosphere of introspection, forgiveness and transformation. It includes a text study, film discussions, a play, a guided imagery and experiential exercises in the areas of ethical wills and personal journaling.

• A Study Guide for S’lichot and Yom Kippur
  Programs for Yom Kippur afternoon study have been added to accompany all-new material for S’lichot programming. Includes eleven workshops plus a guided meditation and audiocassette for two music programs. While some workshops are specific to either S’lichot or Yom Kippur, many are interchangeable, offering congregations flexibility in program design and content.

• A Study Guide for S’lichot, the High Holy Days and Sukkot, Pt. 1
  There are programs featuring music, text study, film discussion, personal evaluation, community Sukkot celebration and sukkah-building. All the material is new and, as in the previous guides, has been designed to be used alone or in conjunction with other program components.

• A Study Guide for Slichot, the High Holy Days and Sukkot, Pt. 2
  Eleven new workshops and activities make up this guide for the complete High Holiday season. The programs offer study of classical texts as well as contemporary poetry, prose, and commentary on the major themes of S’lichot, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. The workshops focus on the essential challenges that underlie this holiday season–the relationship of one individual to another, to God and to the greater community.

• Approaching High Holy Day Worship Creatively
  This compilation of creative worship ideas for S’lichot through Yizkor includes new rituals, scheduling ideas, various ways to include congregants in worship leadership, service handouts and more.

• Programs/Observances for S’lichot, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur
  This PDF includes September 11th services, a Hebrew acrostic, group self-evaluation activities, a creative courtroom trial enactment and a reading recommendation.

Do you have other S’lichot resources or ideas to share? Leave them in the comments!