Former Israeli Chief Rabbi Recommends Charity Over Ritual Chickens

Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yitzhak Yosef, issued a directive on Tuesday, September 14, advising against the traditional Kaparot ritual using chickens if proper conditions for the birds and controlled kosher slaughter (shchitah) cannot be guaranteed. Instead, he recommended donating 35 shekels, the approximate cost of a chicken, to charity. In an open letter, Rabbi Yosef emphasized that the Kaparot custom should not violate prohibitions against animal cruelty. He specifically addressed concerns about mass Kaparot sites where birds are allegedly kept for extended periods without adequate shade, water, or food, and where slaughter lacks proper religious and veterinary oversight. "One who fulfills this commandment while violating the prohibition against causing suffering to animals may not be observing the custom at all, but rather violating a Torah prohibition," the letter stated.

In Haredi communities, the Kaparot ritual with poultry is still widely practiced before Yom Kippur, which falls on September 20-21 this year. After slaughter, the birds are typically given to the poor or consumed before the fast. The ancient custom involves swinging a rooster over a man's head and a hen over a woman's, with a prayer for the bird to serve as atonement and for the person to be inscribed for a long, prosperous, and peaceful life. Preparations often include setting up cages of white birds in Haredi neighborhoods. Some Hasidic communities adhere to this practice particularly strictly.

Alternative methods for Kaparot exist, including swinging a bucket of fish over one's head. While some religious authorities favored roosters, others preferred fish due to fewer kashrut complications for pre-fast meals. Over time, substituting money for birds, which is then donated to charity, has become common. The updated prayer in such cases is, "This money will go to charity, and I will go to a long, prosperous, and peaceful life." Rabbi Yaavetz's writings also mention a variation using a potted plant swung overhead. Meanwhile, current Chief Rabbis David Yosef and Kalman Bar have set the recommended monetary donation for Kaparot this year at approximately 30 shekels per person, including VAT, with funds directed to Torah study and charitable institutions. The Chief Rabbis also called for prayers during Yom Kippur for fallen soldiers and the wounded, and for the success of the IDF and other security forces.