According to the Jewish calendar we are currently in the month of Elul, the last month of the year, and traditionally a time of prayer, introspection, and repairing and rehabilitating one's connection with God. Two ancient customs – among others – characterize this month: the Selichot prayers, recited in the middle of the night or in the early morning; and the sounding of the shofar (ram's horn) at the end of the prayer service. These customs are intended as reminders to engage with this period of repentance and hope for change and self-growth.

The Selichot prayers were not established as mandatory, but the custom has been faithfully maintained throughout the generations to this day. Taking a walk in Jerusalem late at night at this time of year, one hears ancient melodies emanating from different synagogues all over the city. The message of the Selichot prayers is that Elul is a time of Divine mercy and forgiveness; a time when God is accessible and close to His seekers, and is ready to help those who genuinely want to effect real transformation within themselves. It is for this reason that although it is not an obligation, many Jews seize the chance to "rouse their hearts" by waking in the middle of the night, or before dawn, to gather with their communities in recitation of the ancient liturgies and singing of the special melodies.

Like other customs, Selichot developed a slightly different format in different communities around the world. For example, in the Sephardic and Yemenite traditions, Selichot are recited throughout the month of Elul, while in the Ashkenazi tradition the custom is practiced only towards the end of the month, as Rosh Hashana approaches. The emotional and melodic atmosphere of each tradition is also very different. In the Sephardic version, the Selichot generally follow a "dialogic" structure with the cantor and congregation responding to each other, or with members of the congregation singing sections of the prayers in solo form. While the words express heartbroken and contrite awareness of wrongdoing, the melodies express great joy at the very possibility of repentance and forgiveness. The mood of Ashkenazi Selichot, in contrast, conveys more somber and fervent supplication.

One of the most beautiful liturgical poems recited by the Maghreb communities at the end of the Selichot is called "Be-Zokhri al Mishkavi". It was composed by Rabbi Yehuda Ibn Balaam, an 11th century linguist and biblical commentator who lived in Seville, Spain. His poem, which is included in the Selichot service of all Sephardic traditions, was originally intended to be sung at dawn. It opens in the first person, describing the experience of lying and thinking of one's sins and deciding to rise and stand before God in supplication, asking for forgiveness. You are invited to listen to a beautiful, modern cover of the poem as performed by Meir Banai (see the link at the end of this post) and allow the ancient words and melody to prepare your heart for the High Holiday season. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHEnPQcW5tc