Parashat HashavuaSeries'LibraryPiskei Din (Hebrew)Test YourselfAnswer: There are different customs for saying the Selichot penitential prayers, a Minhag initiated by King David as a means of confessing our sins prior to asking Hashem for forgiveness. Sefardim say Selichot each morning in Elul, just as the Shofar is sounded each day. Ashkenazim begin saying Selichot this Motzei Shabbat (s opposed to the Motza"sh just before Rosh Hashana) as there must be an interval of at least 4 days before the Chag (just as a korban was prepared 4 days before its offering, so we prepare ourselves at least 4 days prior). Why do we always begin on a Motzei Shabbat? One suggestion: We often read Parshat Nitzavim on the Shabbat before Selichot. The opening words of the Parsha, "Atem Nitzavim Hayom," are equal in Gematria to, "la’amod l’slichot" - rise to say Selichot. Selichot, recited either morning or evening, is usually said either very early or very late to demonstrate - by virtue of the unusual hour - our urgency in seeking G-d’s mercy.
The people fasted for a number of days, however no rain fell. Then Rabbi Tanchuma went and spoke to them. He said, “My children, fill yourselves with compassion for one another, and the Holy One, blessed be He, will be filled with compassion for you.”
"The day of rainfall is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were created." The sages liken rain to the creation of the world: Just as the expression "gevura," might, is used in relation to Creation, so is it used in relation to rainfall.
After the destruction of the First Temple, the Prophets and the Sages of Israel legislated fasting on the Tenth of Tevet, for it was on that day that Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon, and his legions placed Jerusalem under siege.