Kapparot is a powerful tradition practiced during the reflective days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It symbolizes love, kindness, and renewal. Traditionally, a chicken is used in the ritual, representing the transfer of one's burdens and challenges. As prayers are recited, the chicken is gently swung overhead, and afterward, it is given to the poor, feeding those in need.
This act of kindnes sserves as a reminder that through generosity and love, we can turn our own hardships into blessings, both for ourselves and others.
While using a chicken remains the most authentic way to perform Kapparot. However, if you cannot access a chicken, you can still partake in this mitzvah by using money instead. Hold the amount you wish to donate while reciting the Kapparot prayer, allowing the money to represent your intention to help those in need. Once the prayers are complete, donations are given to a charitable cause, ensuring that your kindness immediately supports feeding the most vulnerable. In this way, the ritual is filled with the spirit of love and generosity, reflecting the true essence of Kapparot.
If you are unable to use a chicken, donating online is a simple and impactful way to perform Kapparot with love and kindness. At Mada, we ensure that your contribution will go directly to feeding those in need on the same day, allowing your act of kindness to make an immediate difference. You can also watch our instructional video, which explains how to perform Kapparot, whether using a chicken or money, ensuring you participate in this tradition with care and compassion.
Simply recite the following text three times and after that submit the donation form to the right. Your donation will go directly toward helping feed people in need in our community.
The text of Kapparot:
Click here for Hebrew and English text in printable PDF format (courtesy of Kehot Publication Society).
To perform Kapparot using money, take the amount you intend to donate, recite the following three times.
Recite the first paragraph, pass it over your head three times and then recite the paragraph again, etc.:
"Children of man who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, bound in misery and chains of iron — He will bring them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and will sunder their bonds. Foolish sinners, afflicted because of their sinful ways and their wrongdoings; their soul loathes all food and they reach the gates of death — they cry out to the Lord in their distress; He saves them from their afflictions. He sends forth His word and heals them; He delivers them from their graves. Let them thank the Lord for His kindness, and [proclaim] His wonders to the children of man. If there be for a man [even] one interceding angel out of a thousand [accusers], to speak of his uprightness in his behalf, then He will be gracious to him and say: Redeem him from going down to the grave; I have found expiation [for him]".
When reciting the first twelve words below, pass the money over your head three times.
"This is my exchange, this is my substitute, this is my expiation. This money will go to tzedaka/charity (in hebrew: zeh hakesef yelech litzdedakah) and I shall proceed to a good, long life and peace".
Thank you again for helping us fulfill the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s directive, “Let no Jew be left behind!” Let us continue to be inspired to help our fellow brothers and sisters!
Gmar Chatima Tova—may you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year filled with blessings, love, and kindness.
