2022/5782

This Motza’ei Shabbat, we will begin reciting Selichot and say the יג מידות הרחמים. These Midot are the formula of forgiveness that Bnei Yisrael were given by Hashem after the Cheit Ha’Eigel. The Pasuk in Shemot (33:13) says Moshe approached Hashem and said ”הדעני ה’ את דרכך,” “Hashem show me your ways.” The Gemara in Rosh HaShanah (17b) cites Rabi Yochanan that in response to this request from Moshe, Hashem wrapped himself like a Sheliach Tzibbur, showed Moshe the order of the Tefillot [13 Midot], and said: “when Bnei Yisrael sin they should do this before me and I will forgive them for their sins.” What did Hashem mean by “do this before me?” Should we wrap ourselves in a Tallit and mention the 13 midot and call it a day? What power do these words have that transforms Hashem’s attitude towards us like a magic spell for us to be granted forgiveness?

Some Rishonim say that this answer was literal; if one wraps himself in a Tallit and says these words with Kavanah, he will not come away empty handed from Hashem. Rabbeinu Bachaya states that the Segulah of the 13 Midot only works if we understand the meaning of the 13 Midot, say them with Kavana, and make sure we have Aveirot that are holding us back. The Maharal adds that Hashem appeared to Moshe ‘wrapped in a Tallit’ to demonstrate that when we daven, we should ‘wrap ourselves in a Tallit,’ to not be able to look right or left, get rid of all distractions, and be completely enveloped and focused on our tefillot, as if we have a barrier around us. 

Yet, the Gemara quotes “יעשו לפני כסדר הזה;” it doesn’t say “יאמרו לפני,” “They will say before me.” There is an action involved here with regards to this ‘סדר,’ these 13 Midot, which is not just the simple recitation of them as magic formula of forgiveness. We have to do something by ‘imitating’ and demonstrating the 13 Midot, not just saying them. We have to embody the 13 Midot and take them on as our own. Just as Hashem is merciful, we too must be merciful. Just as Hashem represents truth so too we should try to. As the Mussar Seifer Tomer Devorah starts off, “האדם ראוי שיתדמה לקונו,” “A person is fit to be similar to his Creator.” The goal of Selichot and the 13 Midot isn’t just to daven, but to come closer to Hashem by becoming more familiar with these attributes of Hashem and then taking them on as our own by practicing these midot. 

We know that the 13 midot are only said with a Tzibbur and take on the status of a Davar SheBeKidushah (Shibolei Haleket). What is the connection between a Minyan and these 13 attributes? Explains the brother of the Maharal, in the Sefer HaChaim, this formula is only effective and helpful if the people reciting these words reflect these midot in their personal behaviors. It is more likely that each of these attributes will be found within someone in a group - someone will be merciful, someone else will be kind and thus all of Hashem’s attributes will be represented by the Minyan as a whole and quite literally, “יעשו לפני כסדר הזה,” each of these attributes will be performed before Hashem. During this season, may we focus on these attributes, recite them with the appropriate Kavanah but also try and make them “our own” by acting and adapting each of these Midot so that we will be worthy of a Ketivah VeChatima Tovah.