6071 – Even Earlier Rise?

A. Mishnah Berurah 565:12. writes that one who finds himself in a shul where Selichos are being recited before midnight should not recite the Thirteen Middos along with the congregation; see also Sha’arei Teshuvah 581:1 quoting Birkei Yosef.

Poskim rule that before midnight, it is prohibited to recite Selichos. Under extenuating circumstances—if one cannot recite Selichos at any other time—Selichos without nefilas apayim (O.H. 131: 3.) may be recited once a third of the night has passed. But this leniency should not be relied upon on a regular basis. (Igros Moshe, O.H. 2: 105. See Yechaveh Da’as 1:46, who advises reciting Selichos before Minchah as the better alternative.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a