Reciting Selichot alone

Hi,

What changes should I make in Selichos if I say them without a minyan?

We recite Selichos in the days leading up to Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur, as well as on fast days. One may recite these prayers in private, although prayer in a group is always preferable.

One who prays alone should omit the Aramaic portions. One should also skip the portions of Selichos which list the 13 attributes of Divine mercy, but many authorities rule that one may recite them with the notes of the trop, as though reading a verse from the Torah rather than a prayer.

On a separate note: One who recites Selichos after sunrise should alter the wording of those lines which claim that he is reciting Selichos "at night".

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 565:5; Mishneh Berurah 565:12, 581:4; Kaf haChaim 581:26; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 581:4, 13; Yabia Omer 1:Orach Chaim 35; Yalkut Yosef 581:14)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

Saying the 13 attributes of Divine mercy with another minyan

Hi,

One who has already prayed, and who then hears a congregation reciting the 13 attributes of Divine mercy, is not required to say it with them. However, where the custom is for bystanders to say it with the congregation, one should do so, even if this interrupts his personal study. Communal study should not be interrupted.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:89)

Have a great day,
Mordechai