Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

About Time

September 4, 2025

Q What is the ideal time to say Slichos?

A The best time for Slichos is the predawn hours (O.C. 581:1). Originally, these tfilos were called “Ashmuros” (a term found in the Siddur of Rav Amram Gaon, the earliest organized compilation of tfilos, from the 9th century CE), which refers to the last segment of the night (see Rashi to Shmos 14:24).

The Gra (ibid.) says the source for this practice is Eichah 2:19: “Arise, cry out at night in the beginning of the watches (lerosh ashmuros)! Pour out your heart like water in the presence of Hashem.” The ashmurah segment of the night begins three sha’os zmaniyos (variable hours) before alos hashachar (dawn). This time is particularly auspicious, because it is when Hashem “flies” in this world, indicating a heightened level of attention and closeness (Bach O.C. 581:4, based on Avodah Zarah 3b).

From the Acharonim (see Matei Ephraim ibid. 11) it appears that it was customary to rise for Slichos at or just before dawn. More recently, it has become more common to recite Slichos later in the morning, as many find it difficult to wake up that early. This practice is also acceptable, but one should rise earlier than usual, as the text of some of the Slichos expresses a commitment to waking up early to beseech Hashem, and that sentiment should be genuine (Halichos Shlomo 1:3, see note).

On the first day of Slichos, the prevailing minhag is to begin before dawn, because in that day’s Slichos we say “Retzei asirasam be’amdam baleilos (Be pleased with their entreaty as they stand in the night),” so we align our actions with our words (Matei Ephraim ibid.). If Slichos is recited later, the wording should be adjusted (Aruch Hashulchan ibid. 4).

If not said in the morning, Slichos can be said throughout the day, until the time of Mincha (Yechaveh Da’as 1:46).

While early sources mark the time for Slichos at the ashmurah, later ones say that any time beginning from chatzos haleilah (halachic midnight) is suitable, as the eis ratzon (time of Divine favor) begins then. In more recent times, the custom of reciting Slichos at chatzos has gained popularity, largely because according to kabalah, it is the primary eis ratzon (see Igros Moshe O.C. 2:105).

Many Acharonim  (cited by Mishnah Brurah 565:12) advise against saying Slichos at night before chatzos, but some shuls do so. There are valid reasons for this practice, especially if there is a specific need, but it is important to recognize that it is not the ideal time (Igros Moshe ibid.).