Rashi's Piyut (Hashem Elokei Tzevakos)

From Selichos Unveiled by Holzer Seforim.

• Published: Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:34:05 GMT
• Duration: 00:15:42
• Audio: https://anchor.fm/s/1088aea04/podcast/play/108119966/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-8-10%2F233844c4-63a7-a11c-2155-dcc3301b585f.mp3
• Page: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/holzer-seforim/episodes/Rashis-Piyut-Hashem-Elokei-Tzevakos-e3822eu
• TorahApp: https://torahapp.org/share/p/3P_selichos-unveiled/e/d76afd74-63de-4bbe-af21-1fbf037af5f7

A line-by-line translation and explanation of Rashi’s piyut, illuminated by the words of the Rishonim.
We explore what it means that the “gates of prayer” are locked — and why daven at all if they are.
We also explore:

• The “windows of teshuva” and how they remain open

• Why, if this world is compared to the letter hei with an opening at the bottom, a person must return through the side to do teshuva