עברית
Women
Must Women Say Selichot?
Question
Hello, I am a 16-year-old returning to my faith and wanted to know if I am obligated to say Selichot from the beginning of the month of Elul? If so, in what manner—I've never said Selichot before, and I'm not very knowledgeable about the laws, such as whether Selichot should be said while standing or sitting? For example, can I stay awake until 1 AM to say Selichot, or is it better to sleep and then say them?
I also wanted to know if it's acceptable to say Selichot after Shacharit instead of at night?
Thank you in advance.
Answer
Hello and blessings,
Congratulations on your journey towards closeness to Hashem, and may you continue to elevate and walk the path of truth; may Hashem help you to succeed increasingly on your new and good path.
Women are not obligated to say Selichot during the month of Elul. It is, however, a commendable practice for women to say Selichot whenever they can and draw closer to Hashem during the month of Elul—the month of mercy and forgiveness.
Since this is your first time wanting to begin saying Selichot, I would suggest that you send me a phone number so we can learn together all the laws of Selichot properly.
May you go and succeed,
With great respect,
Benjamin Shmuali
