It's almost kapparos time, and PETA is again launching a campaign to clean up animal abuse usually involved in the ritual.
For those of you who don't know, kapparos, a ritual which involves…
… waving a chicken over one's head while reciting an incantation, is meant to 'transfer' one's sins to the bird, which is then slaughtered. The sight of the bird losing its life is supposed to bring you to repentance.
For years, kapparos have involved poorly transported birds, often denied food and water for days and crammed overstuffed into small cages.
It is common for many birds to die in transport and while awaiting slaughter.
Last year, under pressure from PETA, haredi rabbis finally cracked down on fly-by-night kapporos operators and – somewhat – improved the process.
The key word here is somewhat.
PETA is citing one kapparos operation for specific problems related to animal handling, storage, pre and post-slaughter health and safety issues, and more.
The kapparos operation?
The one run by Chabad's National Committee For The Furtherance of Jewish Education in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY.
Here's a link to PETA's video of the NCFJE kapparos operation.
Here's the JTA's breaking news report.
The NCFJE's Rabbi Shea Hecht has not yet responded to my request for an interview.