“Adon Haselicot” Master of Forgiveness

Hebrew, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Music, Judaism / By / 10/14/2018

What is the meaning of Selichot?

During the month of Elul, Sephardic Jews around the world wake up before dawn, to recite the Selichot which consist of special prayers and poems. The word Selichot means “forgiveness”. We express our regret for committing all varieties of misdeeds over the last year. The Selichot are recited every day until the end of the Yamim Nora’iim.

What is the meaning of Aseret Yemey Teshuvah?

The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Aseret Yemey Teshuvah (עשרת ימי תשובה). During this period, we add extra prayers in the Tefillah and there are some extra songs that we say in the Selichot.

The meaning of Adon Haselichot

“Adon HaSelichot” piyut calls God by 22 different names, it is an alphabetic acrostic – the first line beginning with alef and the final line with tav. One for each Hebrew letter. From Adon HaSelichot (Master of forgiveness) representing the first letter, Alef; to Tamim Deot (Complete in knowledge) representing the last letter, Tav.  The congregational response is : Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu, meaning: We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.

This lovely melody is a traditional Eastern melody from Jerusalem. It reminds me of how much I love and enjoy Sephardic culture and music. The tune is upbeat, yet emotional as well.  I remember hearing my Grandpa, who was a cantor, singing “Adon Haselichot” as a little girl at our synagogue. It is such a comforting feeling to sing and play my favorite piyut “Adon Haselichot” ( Master of forgiveness ) at Temple Ramat Zion soulful event “Selichot under the stars” every year, led by Rav Ahud Sela and Hazzan Daniel Eli Friedman.  🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟    Click to listen to our performance “Adon Haselichot” 

May you and your loved ones have a blessed year!

Much love, Yakira

Adon Haselichot Transliteration

Adon ha-selichot, Bochen levavot Goleh amukot, Dover tsedakot
Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu (X2)
Hadur beniflaot, Vatik benechamot Zocher b’rit avot, Choker kelayot
Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu (X2)
Tov umetiv labriyot, Yodea kol nistarot Kovesh avonot, Lovesh tsedakot
Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu (X2)
Maleh zakhiyyot, Norah tehillot Soleach avonot, Oneh vatsarot
Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu (X2)

Poel yeshuot, TSofeh attidot Koreh hadorot, Rochev aravot Shomeatefillot, Tamim deot Chatanu lefanecha rachem ‘allenu (X2) This means: We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.

Adon Haselichot Translation

Master of forgiveness, Who examines hearts, Who reveals depths, Who speaks righteousness, We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.

Who is glorious in wonders, Who is eternal in consolations, Who remembers the covenant with our fathers, who delves into our innermost parts, We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.
Who is good and does good to living beings, Who knows all hidden matters, Who extinguishes wrongdoing, Who wears righteousness, We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.
Who is filled with merit, Who is awesome in praises, Who forgives wrongdoing, Who answers requests, We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.
Who works redemption, Who sees the future, Who calls out the generations, Who rides in the heavens, Who hears prayers, Who is pure in knowledge, We have sinned before you, have mercy on us.