How Does Fabrangen Celebrate Selichot?
In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, we follow the Ashkenazic tradition of having a special service on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah in which selichot (סליחות) – prayers asking for forgiveness – are recited.
For many years, Fabrangen and Tikkun Leil Shabbat have joined to provide a full evening for Selichot. At approximately 9:15 PM on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, we gather for our joint celebration. We begin with multiple workshops on topics that are intellectual and/or experiential. For example, we have had hevruta (partnered) learning and then expressive art projects using clay, pipe cleaners, and other materials. We have had learning on a variety of topics, including our relationship to God, the meaning of teshuvah (forgiveness), chanting/music of the High Holidays, etc.
The Selichot gathering provides a space for a fresh approach to the High Holidays.
As Rabbi Shefa Gold says,
“With this practice, I acknowledge and celebrate the miracle of transformation. Each time I have experienced devastation, it feels as if even the possibility of Redemption is a cruel illusion. And then I find myself in Eden, surrounded by beauty, held in God’s loving embrace.”
The following melodies (not the words) were featured in the 2018 Selichot services, led by Ethan Merlin of Tikkun Leil Shabbat.
- Nigun Elul (by Nava Tehila)
- Elul Nigun (by Eitan Katz)
- L’maancha (also by Eitan Katz)
- L’cha Dodi (composed at NHC 2018)