Kaparot is an ancient atonement ritual performed by Jews between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The ritual involves waving a chicken above one's head while chanting a prayer for atonement. The chicken, which is meant to absorb all the sins of the person performing the ritual, is then ritually slaughtered and given as charity to a poor family, thereby transforming sin into good deeds.
It is mostly the ultra-Orthodox who perform the Kaparot ritual with a chicken. The majority of Kaparot practicing Jews today usually perform the ritual with money instead, with the same result-the money is given to charity.
This year, the Jerusalem Municipality has increased enforcement for kaparot related chicken slaughter to an unprecedented degree. Those who wish to observe or perform the ritual with a chicken will only be able to do so at municipally supervised pre-allocated stations, which will be overseen by veterinary professionals. Kaparot will take place from September 9-12 from 8:00 - 21:00, and on Yom Kippur eve, Friday September 13, from 7:00-12:00, at the following locations:
The former "Kol Yisrael Haverim" school courtyard near Machane Yehudah
Shuk Habukharim in the Bucharian Quarter
Shuk Beit Yisrael in the Beit Yisrael neighborhood
Designated areas on Mea Shearim Street
Municipality compound on Shmuel Hanavi Street
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