Ultra‑Orthodox Jews Hold Kaparot Ritual in Bnei Brak as Yom Kippur Approaches

On September 20, 2023, Bnei Brak, a densely populated suburb of Tel Aviv, became the unlikely stage for a centuries‑old rite that still sparks fierce debate within the Jewish world. Ultra‑Orthodox congregants gathered in streets and community halls to perform the Kaparot ceremony – a symbolic act of atonement that involves swinging live white chickens over one’s head while reciting verses from Psalms, all in preparation for Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

The same ritual unfolded later that day in Beit Shemesh, another city with a sizable Haredi population. Photographers from Xinhua News Agency captured participants clutching the birds, chanting, and handing the slaughtered chickens over to local charities. The event, officially listed as the Kapaarot ceremony, drew dozens of families, each hoping the ritual would serve as a "substitute" for their sins during the Ten Days of Repentance that sit between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Historical roots of the Kaparot tradition

The practice dates back to the early Middle Ages, when Jewish communities in the Middle East and Europe adopted a ritual that mirrored ancient Near‑Eastern customs of offering a sacrificial animal in place of a person. The Hebrew word "kaparot" literally means "exchanges" or "atonements," echoing the idea of transferring personal transgressions onto another entity – in this case, a chicken for males or a hen for females.

According to rabbinic sources, the ritual is performed during the pre‑dawn hours on the day before Yom Kippur, when a "thread of divine kindness" is believed to be especially potent. Participants swing the bird three times over their heads while reciting verses such as Psalms 107:10 – "Some lived in deepest darkness, bound in cruel irons" – and Psalms 107:14 – "He brought them out of deepest darkness, broke their bonds asunder." The bird is then declared a substitute, and after being slaughtered by a qualified shochet, it is donated to charitable organizations.

The 2023 ceremony in Bnei Brak and Beit Shemesh

The Bnei Brak event began just after sunrise, with a line of volunteers setting up tables, cages of white chickens, and a makeshift stage for the rabbi who would lead the prayers. Families arrived with their own birds, while others purchased chickens on the spot from a local vendor who had secured a kosher slaughterer for the day.

After the chanting, each participant gently passed the bird over their head, a motion meant to symbolically transfer impurity. The shochet then performed the shechita, the ritual slaughter required by Jewish law, ensuring the process adhered to the highest standards of kashrut. Once the chickens were deemed fit, they were handed over to volunteers from various Israeli charities, who promised to distribute the meat to needy families during the holiday week.

In Beit Shemesh, the atmosphere was similar but on a slightly larger scale. The municipal hall hosted a series of Kaparot stations, each manned by a different community leader. A poignant moment came when a pregnant woman stepped forward, holding three chickens – two hens for herself and a rooster for the unborn child, reflecting a long‑standing tradition that acknowledges the unknown gender of the baby.

Rabbinic opposition and the controversy surrounding Kaparot

Despite its deep roots, the ritual has never been universally accepted. Since the 19th century, many leading rabbis have condemned Kaparot as a vestige of superstition, likening it to the pagan‑like Tashlikh ceremony performed on Rosh Hashanah, where sins are symbolically cast into a body of water.

Critics argue that the practice borders on idolatry, turning a spiritual exercise into a literal animal sacrifice. Others point to animal‑rights concerns, noting that modern poultry farms rarely provide the humane conditions implied by the ritual’s ancient origins. In recent decades, several Israeli municipalities have banned live‑bird Kaparot, offering a monetary substitute instead.Nevertheless, ultra‑Orthodox leaders maintain that the ceremony is a vital conduit for personal reflection. "When we swing the chicken, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the need for repentance," said a senior rabbi at the Bnei Brak ceremony, speaking on condition of anonymity. He added that the charitable aspect – feeding families who might otherwise go hungry during the High Holy Days – is an essential component that offsets any discomfort.

Charitable dimension and modern adaptations

After the birds are slaughtered, they do not simply disappear. Charities such as "Nefesh HaMeuhad" and local soup kitchens receive the meat, which they then prepare for distribution to impoverished families throughout the Yom Kippur period. In Bnei Brak, volunteers reported that the donations would sustain roughly 150 households.

For those who cannot afford live chickens, the ritual can be performed through a charitable donation. The amount traditionally equivalent to the cost of a bird – roughly 30 shekels (about $9) – is given to a designated fund, and the donor recites the same verses while visualizing the act.

In recent years, some synagogues have begun offering a "cash‑instead" option, acknowledging both the financial burden on lower‑income families and the growing ethical concerns about animal welfare. This adaptation has been endorsed by several prominent rabbis, who argue that the essence of Kaparot lies in the intention, not the physical bird.

Looking ahead: The future of Kaparot in Israel

As Israel continues to grapple with the balance between tradition and modern sensibilities, the Kaparot ceremony stands at a crossroads. Younger members of the ultra‑Orthodox community, who are increasingly exposed to global animal‑rights campaigns, are beginning to question the practice's relevance.

Yet, for many, the ritual remains a cornerstone of personal atonement. The upcoming Yom Kippur season will likely see a mix of live‑bird ceremonies, charitable donations, and perhaps new forms of symbolic substitution yet to emerge.

Whatever the path, the core idea – seeking forgiveness and renewal before the holiest day of the Jewish year – endures. As the shofar sounds on the eve of Yom Kippur, the echo of the chicken‑swinging chants will linger in the streets of Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, and beyond, reminding believers that tradition, however contested, still shapes collective identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do ultra‑Orthodox Jews still practice Kaparot despite opposition?

Proponents view the ritual as a tangible way to internalize repentance, linking physical action with spiritual intent. They also value the charitable distribution of the chicken meat, which supports needy families during the High Holy Days.

What alternatives exist for those who cannot afford live chickens?

Participants may donate an amount equivalent to the price of a chicken – roughly 30 shekels – to a recognized charity. The donor then recites the same verses, visualizing the bird as a symbolic substitute.

How does the Kaparot ceremony intersect with animal‑welfare concerns?

Critics argue that modern poultry farming does not meet the humane standards implied by the ritual. In response, several Israeli municipalities have introduced cash‑instead options, and some rabbis endorse these alternatives to preserve the spirit of the rite while mitigating cruelty.

What role does the shochet play during Kaparot?

The shochet, a trained kosher slaughterer, ensures the bird is killed according to halachic (Jewish law) standards. This guarantees the ritual’s religious validity and that the meat can later be distributed to charity without violating dietary laws.

When is the ideal time to perform Kaparot?

Traditionally, the ceremony is held in the pre‑dawn hours of the day before Yom Kippur, a period believed to be infused with heightened divine compassion, making the atonement especially potent.