yom kippur

Activists argue that the chickens are treated cruelly before the ritual.

The Jewish High Holidays begin next week, which means the Ultra-Orthodox ritual of kaporos is just around the corner as well.

"I could do it with money, but God says it is better with the chicken."

This is the first of six short webisodes before the series comes back in February.

"Certain anti-Jewish and anti-tradition forces" are rallying to stop the ritual, Rabbi Shea Hecth wrote.

A group hoped to get a cease-and-desist against the ritual, which they considered a public nuisance and health hazard.

"Dead chickens, half dead chickens, chicken blood, chicken feathers, chicken urine, chicken feces."

How to tell your babkas from your challahs.

Note that this film does not include pork, shellfish or Mel Gibson.

The ritual requires that the chickens be held by their wings and swung three times in small circles over the heads of family members while a prayer is read aloud.