6036 – The Best Source -

A. They are based on the revelation to Moshe Rabbeinu (Shemos 34: 6–7) after the sin of the Golden Calf, Hashem taught these words as attributes of Mercy, and a binding covenant of compassion to invoke divine forgiveness.

The Thirteen Midos, or Shlosh Esreih Middos HaRachamim, form the absolute core and focal point of the upcoming Selichos prayers.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a