Kapparot 2026
Kapparot Online with Chabad for Yom Kippur 2026
Kapparot Online
Perform Kapparot today by donating to support Chabad’s activities in Sderot, Israel, benefiting IDF soldiers, needy families, and victims of terror.
Donate via PayPal/Credit card
Kapparot Donation Amount
You may donate any amount according to your generosity.
Ideally, it is customary to donate at least the value of a chicken for each member of your household.
The prayer to be read (Transcription)
Hold a sum of money in your hand and recite:
Bnei adam yoshvei hoshech vetzalmavet asirei oni u’varzel
Yotzi’em mihoshech vetzalmavet umosroteihem yenatek
Evilim miderech pish’am ume’avonoteihem yit’anu
Kol ochel teta’ev nafsham veyagi’u ad sha’arei mavet
Vayiz’aku el Adonai batzar lahem mimetzukoteihem yoshi’em
Yishlach dvaro vayirap’em vayimalet mishchitutam
Yodu la’Adonai chasdo venifle’otav livnei adam
Im yesh alav mal’ach melitz echad mini elef l’ehagid le’adam yoshro
Vayechunenu vayomer pda’ehu miredet shachat matzati chofer
There are those who turn the atonement coins over their head 3 times
This is my substitute. This is my compensation. This is my atonement. This money will go to charity
And I will go to a good, long and peaceful life
After the ceremony, donate the kapparot money at the website, you can come back and use the coins for your personal use.
Translation
Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains.
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He sent out his word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him.
and he is merciful to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom.
Hebrew
בְּנֵי אָדָם יוֹשְׁבֵי חשֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָוֶת אֲסִירֵי עֳנִי וּבַרְזֶל: יוֹצִיאֵם מֵחשֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָוֶת וּמוֹסְרוֹתֵיהֶם יְנַתֵּק:
אֱוִילִים מִדֶּרֶךְ פִּשְׁעָם וּמֵעֲוֹנֹתֵיהֶם יִתְעַנּוּ: כָּל אֹכֶל תְּתַעֵב נַפְשָׁם וַיַּגִּיעוּ עַד שַׁעֲרֵי מָוֶת:
וַיִּזְעֲקוּ אֶל אֲדוֹנָי בַּצַּר לָהֶם מִמְּצוּקוֹתֵיהֶם יוֹשִׁיעֵם: יִשְׁלַח דְּבָרוֹ וְיִרְפָּאֵם וִימַלֵּט מִשְּׁחִיתוֹתָם:
יוֹדוּ לַדוֹנָי חַסְדּוֹ וְנִפְלְאוֹתָיו לִבְנֵי אָדָם: אִם יֵשׁ עָלָיו מַלְאָךְ מֵלִיץ אֶחָד מִנִּי אָלֶף. לְהַגִּיד לְאָדָם יָשְׁרוֹ: וַיְחֻנֶּנּוּ וַיֹּאמֶר פְּדָעֵהוּ מֵרֶדֶת שַׁחַת מָצָאתִי כֹפֶר:
***
זֶה חֲלִיפָתִי זֶה תְּמוּרָתִי זֶה כַּפָּרָתִי זֶה הַכֶּסֶף יֵלֵךְ לִצְדָקָה וַאֲנִי אֵלֵךְ לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים אֲרֻכִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kapparot?
Kapparot is an ancient Jewish custom performed before Yom Kippur. It symbolizes repentance and spiritual renewal by reminding us to reflect on our actions, return to Hashem, and prepare for the Day of Atonement.
Why do Jews perform Kapparot?
Kapparot is performed before Yom Kippur as a symbolic act of repentance and atonement. The custom reminds us to reflect on our actions, return to Hashem, and prepare spiritually for the Day of Atonement. When performed with money, it also fulfills the mitzvah of giving charity to those in need.
When do you perform Kapparot?
The preferred time is on Erev Yom Kippur, before the fast begins. However, many communities perform Kapparot during the Ten Days of Repentance, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
When is Kapparot in 2026?
In 2026 (5787), Kapparot is traditionally performed on Sunday, September 20, 2026, before sunset and before the beginning of Yom Kippur.
How Do You Perform Kapparot?
Performing Kapparot with money is simple and takes only a few moments.
Hold a sum of money in your hand.
Recite the traditional Kapparot prayers.
Rotate the money above your head three times while saying:
“This is my substitute, this is my exchange, this is my atonement. This money shall go to charity, and I shall go to a good, long life and to peace.”
Donate the money to charity before Yom Kippur.
Can Kapparot be performed online?
Yes. Many people hold money while reciting the Kapparot prayer and then donate that amount online to charity. This allows Jews around the world to observe the custom while supporting those in need.
Can I perform Kapparot with money instead of a chicken?
Yes. Using money that is donated to charity is a widely accepted and common way to fulfill the custom of Kapparot. Many Jewish communities prefer this practice because it combines the custom with the mitzvah of tzedakah.
How much should I donate for Kapparot?
There is no fixed amount. Many people donate at least the approximate value of a chicken for each family member, while others give according to their family tradition and financial ability. Every donation made with sincerity is meaningful.
Can I perform Kapparot for someone else?
Yes. It is customary to perform Kapparot on behalf of family members or others by mentioning their name and adjusting the wording of the prayer accordingly.
Can Kapparot be performed for children?
Yes. It is customary to perform Kapparot for every member of the household, including young children. Many families include all of their children in the custom each year.
Does a pregnant woman perform Kapparot?
According to many Jewish customs, a pregnant woman performs Kapparot for herself and also on behalf of her unborn child.
What if I missed Erev Yom Kippur?
If you were unable to perform Kapparot before Yom Kippur, many halachic authorities permit completing the custom until Hoshana Rabbah, which is considered the final stage of the Days of Judgment.
Can I use Ma'aser (tithe) money for Kapparot?
The basic amount used to fulfill the mitzvah should preferably not come from ma’aser (tithe) money. However, any additional amount donated beyond the minimum requirement may be given from ma’aser funds.
What prayer is recited during Kapparot?
The traditional Kapparot prayer is recited while holding the money or chicken and circling it three times above the head. The prayer asks that the donation serve as a symbolic substitute while expressing the hope for a long, peaceful, and blessed life.
Where does my Kapparot donation go?
Your donation supports Chabad’s humanitarian activities in Sderot Israel, including assistance for needy families, victims of terror, and IDF soldiers. By giving charity before Yom Kippur, you combine the custom of Kapparot with the mitzvah of helping those in need.
Is Kapparot a mitzvah?
Kapparot is an ancient and widely observed Jewish custom (minhag) practiced before Yom Kippur. While it is not a Torah commandment, it has been accepted by many Jewish communities for generations as a meaningful way to prepare spiritually for the holiest day of the year.
Kapparot Before Yom Kippur
As Yom Kippur approaches, Jewish communities around the world observe the ancient custom of Kapparot. Traditionally, this mitzvah is performed on Erev Yom Kippur as a symbolic act of repentance and spiritual preparation for the holiest day of the year.
Today, many people fulfill this custom by using money instead of a chicken and donating it to charity. This practice, known as Pidyon Kapparot, combines the mitzvah of tzedakah with sincere teshuvah before Yom Kippur.
By making your Kapparot donation through our secure platform, you help provide support for needy families, victims of terror, and IDF soldiers in Israel while observing this meaningful Jewish tradition.
What Is Kapparot?
Kapparot is a centuries-old Jewish custom observed during the Ten Days of Repentance, with the preferred time being the morning before Yom Kippur.
The ceremony symbolizes our desire to leave behind our mistakes and begin the new year with purity, forgiveness, and renewed commitment to Hashem.
Many communities traditionally perform the ritual with a chicken, while others use money that is later donated to charity. Today, giving charity has become one of the most common and widely accepted ways to fulfill the custom.
When Do You Perform Kapparot in 2026?
In 2026 (5787), Kapparot is traditionally performed on Erev Yom Kippur, which falls on Sunday, September 20, 2026, before sunset and before the Yom Kippur fast begins.
Many Jewish communities also perform Kapparot during the Ten Days of Repentance, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. If someone is unable to perform the custom before Yom Kippur, many halachic authorities permit doing so until Hoshana Rabbah.
How to Perform Kapparot with Money
Performing Kapparot with money is simple:
- Hold a sum of money in your hand.
- Recite the traditional Kapparot prayers.
- Rotate the money above your head three times while saying:
“This is my substitute, this is my exchange, this is my atonement. This money shall go to charity, and I shall go to a good, long life and to peace.” - Donate the amount to charity.
If you are performing Kapparot for another person, adjust the wording accordingly (“This is your substitute…”).
How Much Should You Donate?
There is no fixed amount required for Kapparot.
Many Jewish communities follow the custom of donating at least the approximate value of a chicken for each family member. Others choose to give according to their financial ability.
The most important element is giving charity generously and performing the mitzvah with sincere intention.
When Is the Best Time to Perform Kapparot?
The ideal time is Erev Yom Kippur, before sunrise.
However, the custom may be observed throughout the Ten Days of Repentance, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
If someone was unable to perform Kapparot before Yom Kippur, many authorities permit doing so until Hoshana Rabbah.
The Meaning Behind Kapparot
Kapparot is not a magical ritual that automatically removes sins.
Its purpose is to inspire genuine self-reflection, repentance, and personal growth.
The ceremony reminds us that every individual has the opportunity to return to Hashem, seek forgiveness, and begin the new year with renewed faith.
When combined with charity, Kapparot also fulfills the great mitzvah of helping those in need, an act that carries special significance before the Days of Judgment.
Supporting Those in Need
Your Kapparot donation directly supports:
- Needy families
- Victims of terror
- IDF soldiers
- humanitarian activities
Every donation becomes both a fulfillment of the Kapparot custom and an act of kindness that brings practical assistance to people facing hardship.
Performing Kapparot for Family Members
It is customary to perform Kapparot for every member of the household, including children. Many families also follow the custom of performing Kapparot on behalf of a pregnant woman’s unborn child.
If a family member is unable to be present, Kapparot may still be performed on their behalf by mentioning their name during the prayer.
Can Kapparot Be Performed Online?
Yes. Many people today fulfill the custom by holding money while reciting the Kapparot prayer and then donating that amount online to charity.
This allows Jews around the world to observe the custom while supporting families in need in Israel before Yom Kippur.
Using Ma’aser (Tithe) Money for Kapparot
According to Jewish law, the basic amount used to fulfill the mitzvah of Kapparot should preferably not come from ma’aser (tithe) money.
However, any additional amount donated beyond the minimum requirement may be given from ma’aser funds.
