Q. I use an Artscroll Slichos, and it says that the 13 Middos are recited while standing, implying that there is no need to stand while saying the other paragraphs of slichos. I have always seen people stand throughout the slichos, and it seems to be a universal custom. Personally, I find it difficult to stand throughout the slichos, especially at times like the first night, which is late on Motzaei Shabbos, or Erev Rosh Hashanah when slichos are very long. Is there really a requirement to stand for slichos or is it a minhag?
A. M'ate Ephraim (581: 18) writes that it “better" to stand when reciting all Selichos, but one should stand at least when saying the Thirteen Midos, Shema Koleinu and Viduy (See also Mishna Berura 607: 10 and Kitzur Sh'loh)
Orchois Rabbeinu (p. 167) mentions that the Steipler Gaon Zt"l when already aged and frail, would sit throughout all the Selichos but would stand for the Thirteen Midos.
Mipniney Horav (p. 154) explains the source for standing during Selichos, as a reflection of the Talmudic aphorism; (Rosh Hashana 17a) Hashem demonstrated before Moshe Rabbenu the proper way to say selichos. He proves this to be similar to the reciting of the amida.
Seder Selichos Ashmurah Balaila (p. 50) mentions that the tradition of the Yemenite Jews was not to stand for selichos even for the Thirteen Midos.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is similar to the M'ate Ephraim quoted above.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised By Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
