Selicot Prayers for Forgiveness of Abortion
Almighty God tasked the nation of Israel with the unique obligation of sanctifying and protecting human life, and for sharing this message with all of humanity. We've fallen far short of both objectives. Considered by many to be progressive and just, this modern day form of child sacrifice constitutes a sin against God and Creation. Continued practice in the face of overwhelming proof that innocent children perish calls for sincere appeals to HaShem for forgiveness of our transgressions and a return to the protection and love of God.
In the spirit of sincere repentance, we offer a prayer:
From Ezra, the Scribe: "My God, I am ashamed and confounded to lift my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have increased to above the head, and our guilt has grown to the heavens. But You are the God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in kindness, and You did not forsake them."
Do not forsake us, our Father, and do not cast us off, our Creator, do not abandon us, our Molder, and do not make an end to us, as for our sins. God, our God, fulfill for us the work You promised us in the tradition through Jeremiah, Your seer, as it is said: "In those days, and at that time, says God, the iniquity of Israel will be sought for and it shall not be there, and the sins of Judah - and they shall not be found, for I will forgive those whom I leave to remain." Your people, and your heritage hunger for Your goodness, thirst for Your kindness, long for Your deliverance, may they recognize and know that mercy and forgiveness belong to God, our God.
From Selicot According the Chabad Custom. p.14.
