Reciting Selichot Later than the Congregation
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Question
Sometimes during the recitation of Selichot, I recite slower than the congregation and do not manage to say them exactly with the congregation. Can I recite the Selichot in Aramaic and the 13 Attributes even when I am slightly behind the congregation?
Answer
Shalom Rav
There is a difference between the cases. The Selichot recited in Aramaic, such as 'Machai u-Masai', 'Maran di Bishmaya', and similar, even if the congregation has already finished saying them, an individual can say them as long as the congregation is still praying. However, the 13 Attributes must be recited with the congregation because it is a sacred matter that needs to be said in a quorum of ten. Therefore, when the congregation says the 13 Attributes, pause your Selichot, say them together, and then continue from where you left off.