NC
“When did any rabbi in the 18th century claim that Slichos are meant to be a time of simcha?”
not hat I know of, but as you may know their was a big machlokes at the time when some tried to add elements of simcha to Judaism when many where feeling empty and that they couldnt connect to the older more “cerebral” yidishkeit..
Obviously not exactly the same, but many today don’t connect to the “Big angry deity that is out to get you unless you really really beg him” now some do, there are public speakers who make a living off thsi brand of Judaism, and that works for them which is great, but to many it doesnt work,
so the question is what to do.
(note I’m not saying that all those (myself included) who attend the more traditional selcihos have this (arguably) childish view of yahadus, but many do and it just doesnt resonate with many anymore
APY
“…to add meaning to their time in shul.”
Exactly! Very well said.
It is critical that What we do religiously has meaning. Just showing up to shul to mumble some selcihos that you dont understand so that your friend doesnt ask where yo uwere last night is not ideal, and arguably bad.טוב מעט תחנונים בכוונה, מהרבות בלא כוונה. sometimes a speech/shmuz does the trick (although this too is an innovation) to others a heartfelt song does it