Viduy on Yom Kippur

Erev Yom Kippur

These halachos of Viduy are based on the Mishna Berura reflecting Ashkenazi practice.

Viduy is first said on Erev Yom Kippur at Mincha (only in the private Amidah, not Chazaras HaShatz, the Chazan’s repetition) prior to the Seudah Hamafsekes (discussed here).
It should preferably also be said after the Seudah Hamafsekes, which we do by saying Tefilla Zaka before Kol Nidrei (SA 607:1, MB 1, 3).

In the private Amidah, Viduy is said after concluding the final bracha of the Amidah, prior to Elokai Netzor. One who normally says the passuk of ‘Yihyu Leratzon…’ prior to Elokai Netzor should also say this before starting Viduy.
In Chazaras HaShatz, the Chazzan’s repetition, it is said in the middle bracha. The congregation repeat the viduy along with the Chazzan in Chazaras HaShatz (R 607:1, 3, MB 2, 16).

Whilst there is a standard formula of viduy that everyone says, and strictly speaking one fulfils the mitzva of viduy by merely saying ‘Chatasi’, ‘I have sinned’ without going into detail of what one did, it is appropriate for individuals to quietly specify the sins they personally have committed, to increase one’s sense of regret and shame at having performed them.
These should only be specified in the silent viduy, not when reciting it out loud; however, if it is a sin which was publicly known, one may choose to specify it even when viduy is said out loud (SA, R 607:2, MB 5-6, 8).
One may specify personal sins which one did in previous years, even though one already included them in viduy on a previous Yom Kippur and did not since repeat the aveirah. Indeed it is praiseworthy to do so, per the passuk (Tehillim 51:5) ‘וחטאתי נגדי תמיד– my sin is always before me,’ as this indicates the depth of one’s regret (Radak) (SA 607:4, MB 14)

Enjoying these Halachos? Explore our Halachos in other areas such as Hilchos Shabbos, for example the Halachos of Melabein – Laundering.

Viduy on Yom Kippur (and Erev Yom Kipper, both in the private Amidah and Chazaras HaShatz) must be said standing (until after the phrase שאנו חייבים עליהם ארבע מיתות בית דין), without leaning on items which support one’s weight to the extent that if they were removed one would fall. This is to ensure one says it in a more serious, humble way (SA 607:3, MB 10).
One should ideally also say Viduy somewhat bent over, like one bows at Modim, though one who finds this too taxing may suffice with bowing their head a little (MB 607:10, SHT 6).
Beating One’s Chest: whilst reciting viduy we strike our chest or heart, as if to say you (as the source of our lusts and desires) caused me to sin (MB 607:11).

One may not speak during Viduy (including the lengthier section of Al Chet), except to answer Kaddish and Kedusha (MB 607:11).