Judaism is a blueprint for the relationship between us and God. Selichot & reciting the 13 middot are a recipe for mending that relationship

Background to selichot, codification by Rav Amram Gaon, when we begin, and an explanation of the 13 attributes of mercy, and selichot for the 1st day.

A discussion of the structure of selichot. Selichot are modeled after Mincha, the afternoon prayer. They are introduced & highlighted by the 13 attributes of mercy.  

Selichos Sichos:Day III – presented by Rabbi David Polsky. We plead God using the husband-wife motif & ask for protection. We then use a vineyard motif. After that the paytan asks why the wicked prosper.

Selichos Sichos: Erev Rosh HaShanah – presented by Rabbi Yosef Goldberg In selichot for Erev Rosh Hashanah we ask God not to enter into strict judgment with us because we can’t survive. We ask God to listen to us.

Selichot Sichot: Day V – presented by Rabbi David Polsky In selichot we admit that we have sinned, acknowledge God’s power, and ask God to forgive us.