kapparos

Kapparos is a widespread minhag that has been practiced since the late Talmud times. Kapparos means "Atonement", and is performed in preparation for Yom Kippur “the Day of Atonement.” Kapparos can be performed with a live chicken, or with money, reciting a tefillah and then donating the proceeds to tzedaka. If one is not able to use a chicken for Kapparos, the minhag may be observed by giving tzedaka to a poor person.

Below is the text of kapparos found in the machzor which should still be read. It is customarily repeated three times.

Yad Yehuda can distribute funds on your behalf to local individuals and families in need and, in so doing, fulfill the minhag of Kapparos before Yom Kippur.

May the merit of the tzedaka Inscribe and Seal us all in the book of life.

As Jewish communities in the Greater Washington area continue to grow, so have the number of families and individuals needing assistance. As a volunteer staffed organization, every dollar donated translates into direct assistance. Please consider making a donation of any amount.

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