On which day of the week is the third day of Selichos?
Why is the third day of Selichos special?
How was this specialty expressed by the Rabbaim?
What should one study on the third day of Selichos?
What should one do in preparation for Rosh Hashanah Davening?
Why is it even more important for a Shaliach Tzibur?
What if one has already reviewed the piyutim in previous years?
What are the instruction for the Ba’al Tokea and his helper?
What does the helper do?
What are some of the halochos the Bal Tokea needs to be careful?
Erev Rosh Hashanah is considered like a?
Do we say Tachnun on Mincha that precedes Erev Rosh Hashanah?
We do say Selichos (which includes Tachnun) on Erev Rosh Hashanah so when does the Yom Tov start?
1. Significance of the Third Day of Selichot
The third day of Selichot—the penitential prayers leading up to Rosh Hashanah—holds special significance. The third day is always a Tuesday, but its proximity to Rosh Hashanah varies depending on when the holiday falls. When Rosh Hashanah is on Thursday, the third Selichot falls on the 28th of Elul, two days prior. If Rosh Hashanah is on Monday or Tuesday, the third Selichot is the Tuesday of the previous week.
The number three itself carries weight in Jewish tradition. After something occurs three times, it is considered established—a concept known as chazakah—meaning it has acquired strength and permanence. Thus, after reciting Selichot three times and asking Hashem for forgiveness three times, there is a sense that our prayers have become firmly rooted and carry special power.
2. Hasidic Discourses for the Third Day
The third day of Selichot has become a notable occasion within Chabad and other Hasidic communities due to numerous ma'amarim—Hasidic discourses—delivered by the Lubavitcher Rebbes specifically on this day. These discourses highlight the unique spiritual energy present after three days of Selichot.
It is recommended to study these ma'amarim on the third day itself. They are available in various formats and provide an opportunity to deepen one’s understanding and connection during this period. Taking time to learn from these teachings enhances the experience of Selichot, especially on this established third day.
3. Preparing for Yom Tov: The Role of Shliach Tzibbur
As we approach Yom Tov, particularly two days before Rosh Hashanah, preparations should intensify—especially for those who will be leading services (shliach tzibbur). The High Holiday prayers include many new piyutim—liturgical poems and songs—some written in Aramaic or containing unfamiliar language.
The shliach tzibbur must be familiar with all aspects of the prayers: their content, meaning, and associated laws. It is essential to review not only what to say but also how to conduct oneself according to halacha as outlined in the Shulchan Aruch. This responsibility is significant because the leader represents the entire community before Hashem.
This preparation applies even if one has served as shliach tzibbur in previous years. Annual review ensures accuracy and proper intention during these important prayers.
4. Laws for Blowing Shofar and Assisting Roles
The same level of preparation applies to those involved with sounding the shofar and their assistants. The person assisting may announce or signal each blast (in some communities by voice, in others by gesture), ensuring everything proceeds correctly.
Both must be well-versed in all relevant halachot: correct length for each type of blast, what constitutes a mistake, how to correct errors (whether one must repeat from a certain point), and what counts as an interruption (hefsek). Special attention should be given to common mistakes that occur during shofar blowing so they can be addressed properly according to halacha.
5. Customs for Erev Rosh Hashanah: Tachanon Practices
Erev Rosh Hashanah falls on the 29th day of Elul—the final day of Elul since there are only 29 days in this month according to our calendar. This day is treated as a semi-holiday in several respects.
A key custom is that we do not recite Tachanon—supplicatory prayers—on Erev Rosh Hashanah or during Rosh Hashanah itself. However, there are nuances regarding when this omission begins: during morning services on Erev Rosh Hashanah, we skip Tachanon. But during Selichot, which precedes Shacharit, we still recite it.
This differs from other holidays such as Rosh Chodesh where both Mincha (afternoon service) before and Shacharit on the holiday omit Tachanon. For Erev Rosh Hashanah specifically, Mincha on the 28th of Elul still includes Tachanon, while Shacharis of the 29th does not.
6. Summary of Timing for Tachanon Omission Around Rosh Hashanah
The transition into Yom Tov status regarding omitting Tachanon occurs after Selichot on Erev Rosh Hashanah morning. Therefore:
- Mincha of 28 Elul: We say Tachanon.
- Erev Rosh Hashanah Morning (29 Elul): We say Tachanon during Selichot but omit it from Shacharit onward.
- Erev Rosh Hashanah Mincha: We do not say Tachanon.
- Davening on Rosh Hashanah: We do not say Tachanon.
This sequence reflects both respect for tradition and careful attention to halacha as we enter into the Days of Awe.