Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky's Kaparot Ritual Detailed

The late Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, known as the "Prince of Torah," had a specific practice for the Kaparot ritual, performed before Yom Kippur. He would perform the ritual with a chicken, swinging it over his head as is customary, and then donate the equivalent value to charity. Rabbi Kanievsky specifically favored the "Kupat Ha'ir" charity organization, stating on multiple occasions that it was the most esteemed form of charity.

Kupat Ha'ir has provided guidance on the Kaparot custom due to modern technological and industrial changes, which have left many people uncertain about the proper procedure. They address common questions, such as whether it is permissible to use chickens that cannot be prepared and given to the poor, or if the intention is solely to give the chicken to the poor for their Yom Kippur eve meal. The organization also clarifies the use of money for Kaparot, addressing whether cash is required or if credit cards or bank transfers are acceptable.

According to rabbinic rulings, the minimum amount for Kaparot, whether with money or a chicken's redemption value, is 36 shekels per person, including males, females, adults, children, and even infants. Pregnant women are also required to perform Kaparot for their unborn child. Some individuals donate 52, 72, or 160 shekels per person, while others follow Rabbi Kanievsky's practice of donating 385 shekels per person.

Regarding the use of tithe money (ma'aser), rabbinic authorities have ruled that the basic 36 shekel amount should not be paid from tithe funds, but any additional amount can be given from tithes, as it is considered a praiseworthy custom rather than a strict religious obligation. For those using checks or credit cards, it is permissible to pay via credit, but the card should not be swung over the head like a chicken or money. Instead, the person should verbally declare, "This is my exchange, my substitute, my atonement, this money will go to Kupat Ha'ir, the charity of the generation's great rabbis, and I will enter and go to a long and peaceful good life," before completing the transaction.

The ritual of Kaparot with a chicken holds significant Kabbalistic meaning and is especially esteemed when performed in the early morning hours before Yom Kippur. However, in contemporary times, when slaughtering, preparing, and distributing chickens to the poor on the same day is impractical, it is customary to supplement the chicken ritual with a monetary donation to fulfill the custom of Kaparot, a practice followed by Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky.