At the beginning of the afternoon prayer service, a Torah scroll is removed from the ark. Three men are called to read from the Torah, and the reading is about forbidden sexual relations (Leviticus 18). The reason this section is chosen for the reading at this time is because this area presents a significant challenge for people and requires a lot of reinforcement. Additionally, reading this section serves to remind those who have faltered in this area that they should take advantage of this auspicious time to fully repent.

The third man called to the Torah also recites the haftara, which consists of the book of Jonah. This book describes the prophet Jonah’s attempt to escape his mission from God, as well as the repentance of the inhabitants of the city of Nineveh.

The Amida prayer of the afternoon service includes added liturgical compositions as well as a confession upon the conclusion of the private Amida and during the cantor’s repetition of the Amida. Some congregations also include Selihot in the afternoon prayer service as well.