Yidden across Eretz Yisroel fulfilled the age-old custom of kaparos with live chicken despite the opposition of Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, head of the anti-religious Meretz party. In Kiryat Gat, Lubavitchers performed kaparos on Tuesday night.

By Anash.org reporter
Photos: Mendy Kurant

Yidden across Eretz Yisroel fulfilled the age-old custom of kaparos with live chicken despite the opposition of Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, head of the anti-religious Meretz party.

In a statement released prior to Yom Kippur, the minister lambasted the custom, calling to perform kaparos with money instead. She claimed that “rabbis have also come out over the years against the practice,” ignoring the fact that the custom to use chickens dates back to the late Talmudical times and is sanctioned by many of the greatest poskim of all generations.

Despite the stated opposition, Yidden gathered across Eretz Yisroel to perform the sacred custom, keeping a tradition of centuries.

On Tuesday night, Lubavitchers from Kiryat Gat and Nachlat Har Chabad performed kaparos together on Tuesday night in an area near both communities.