Kaparot sweetens and cleanses judgments from us. You may do it anytime from Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur begins. The Holy Ari, as recorded by Rabbi Chaim Vital, performed Kaparot with a chicken before Yom Kippur. Today many use money in the same order of the ritual, placing coins or bills in place of the bird. Any amount given with a full heart is accepted. Ten dollars or more per person is a good measure if you can; a few coins are enough if that is all you have.

A person’s name is bound to the soul. One custom is to give according to the letters of the name—multiplying the number of letters by an amount you can afford—so each letter is joined to tzedakah and to the energy of life.

The best time is the early morning of Erev Yom Kippur. That hour draws Chassadim, leaving little space for new judgment to enter between the act and the holy day. After Kaparot, guard your speech and deeds. Do not reopen the door you just closed.

Give the money to the needy before Sukkot, or send it to the Daily Zohar as a channel of light and life.

A fuller guide to the words and the order of the ritual is in the PDF below. It is free to download and free to share.

Kaparot Tzedakah

You can also use the options below and send an email with the names.
Zelle: Zion Nefesh
Venmo: @Zion-Nefesh