Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kaporos start?
It’s appears to have originated in the era of the geonim, some 1500 year ago.
Who does Kaporos?
Kaporos is observed in virtually all religious Jewish communities, both Ashkenazi and Sephardi. There are a small minority of communities where the custom of Kaporos never took hold as the prevailing practice, or others who are not scrupulous with its observance.
Is Kaporos a sacrifice?
No. Sacrifice does not exist in our times.
Is Kaporos associated with idolatry or witchcraft?
No. Both are forbidden to Jews. Some early rabbinic authorities advised not to be stringent about specifically using white birds for Kaporos, as that would appear similar to practices used in witchcraft of their times. Otherwise there is no respected rabbinic opinion that condemns Kaporos.
Is Kaporos cruel?
No. The chickens used in Kaporos are transported, stored and handled in the same way would be for slaughter in any farm or slaughterhouse.
Does Kaporos hurt the chicken?
No non-domestic animal appreciates being handled, and being picked up causes some degree of stress. If care is taken, holding chickens by their feet, under their torso, or by both wings does not cause any harm to the animal.
Who are the people protesting Kaporos?
They are fringe groups who claim to be fighting for animal rights.
Why would they single out Kaporos from the entire poultry industry?
They believe that our communities are easy to demonize, because our language, customs and appearance are different than mainstream society. They find us easy to ridicule as backwards fanatics clinging to old country superstitions. In other words, we’re an easy target.
What are their goals?
They want to end the observance of Kaporos throughout the entire Jewish world.