Kaparot

Kaparot is an ancient ritual we do in preparation for Yom Kippur. Kaparot can be done any time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

It’s easy to do this Mitzvah in the comfort of your own home. All you need is some money and the prayer below. It can also be found in your Machzor.

Gather those who want to do the ritual your children, yourself, your spouse, etc. (you can have separate  monies for each person). Some recommend that you use the same amount that is spent on a chicken, or more. After performing Kaparot, the money is given to tzedakah, ideally to help feed people in need in your community.

RECITE THREE TIMES: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 VERSES BELOW, PASS THE MONEY DESIGNATED AS TZEDAKAH OVER YOUR HEAD THREE TIMES.

Someone doing the ceremony for themselves says:

This is my exchange, this is my substitute, this is my expiation. This money shall go to tzedakah and I shall proceed to a good, long life and peace.

Someone doing the ceremony for their children or someone else says:

This is your exchange, this is your substitute, this is your expiation. This money shall go to tzedakah and you shall proceed to a good, long life and peace.