602 - תרב סדר עשרת ימי תשובה ובו ה' סעיפים

The Order of the Ten Days of Repentance

1. We fast on the day after Rosh Hashanah, and this is a public fast, as stated in siman 649. All its laws are explained in siman 650. See there.

2. Throughout all the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we increase in prayer and supplication.

It is customary to say "Avinu Malkeinu, etc." in the evening and morning, except on Shabbos.

Also, on Erev Shabbos after Minchah, it is not said, as explained in siman 684 (section 5).

3. Every day, except Shabbos, we say Vidui three times before dawn.

Except on Erev Yom Kippur, when it is said only once.

4. If a bris milah occurs between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we do not say Tachanun or "V'hu Rachum, etc."

But we do say "Avinu Malkeinu" (and "El Erech Apayim," and "Lamenatzeach").

5. We do not impose a ban between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, so as not to arouse the forces of judgment at this time.

Similarly, we do not administer an oath to a person in Beis Din during these days, so as not to bring the punishment of an oath into the world, G‑d forbid.

But to judge a case between one person and another is certainly a great mitzvah, to judge and to remove theft from his possession. For when there is judgment below, there is no judgment above.

If there is a matter of an oath between them, it should be postponed until after Yom Kippur.