The word S'lichot in Hebrew means "forgiveness." During the period before Rosh HaShanah extra prayers and poems are added to services. There is also a special service added after Shabbat the Saturday evening before Rosh HaShanah. It is a powerful, yet subdued overture to the High Holy Day services. Readings are done in dimmed lighting; Bimah adornments are changed to white; we end with a shofar blast, and silently returning home.