Published September 17, 2026 by Elizabeth Brion.

Known as the “Day of Atonement,” Yom Kippur is a sacred time for reflection, charity, and asking forgiveness for past wrongs. But ahead of the holiday, some people use live chickens in kapparot rituals, frightening and hurting them before a slaughterer cuts their throats. Harming an animal has no place in an act of atonement, which is why many Jewish communities have long observed kapparot by donating money to charity.

A Kind Way to Observe Kapparot

The purpose of kapparot is to symbolize repentance and atonement for one’s actions during one of the most spiritually significant periods of the Jewish year. But that purpose doesn’t require the suffering and slaughter of a sensitive, feeling animal. Importantly, the slaughter of a chicken is not a commandment found in the Torah or Talmud.

Giving Back Instead of Taking a Life

The central work of this season is teshuvah, returning to God and striving to become the people we’re meant to be. It’s a time to commit to doing better in the year ahead. Choosing a charitable donation for kapparot is a longstanding tradition that keeps the ritual’s focus on generosity, compassion, and helping those in need.

Make This Yom Kippur a Time of Empathy for All

Jewish teachings emphasize our responsibility to respect our fellow animals. Chickens are social, curious individuals who can recognize one another, form strong bonds, and experience fear and distress. Like all animals, they are someone.

Yom Kippur is an opportunity to make promises that help create a better world for everyone. If you observe kapparot, choose charity, never a chicken. Encourage your family, synagogue, and community to do the same.

This season and beyond, you can also:

• Go vegan, or help a friend or family member make the switch.
• Donate a doghouse or other supplies to help animals in need.
• Support PETA’s work to protect animals around the world.

Learn more about Kapparot With Charity: Jewish Vegan Life’s Kapparot Guide and Kapparot Reimagined, by Shamayim

Take action for chickens: Urge Rabbinical Leadership to Denounce Ritual Chicken Killing