Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
kapparah
noun
/kəˈpɑːrə/
Definition
A traditional Jewish ritual of atonement performed before Yom Kippur.
Examples
- During Yom Kippur, many families participate in the kapparah ceremony as a way to seek forgiveness.
- Traditionally, the kapparah involves swinging a live chicken or holding onto a bag of money over one’s head before donating it to charity.
- People often reflect on their actions over the past year during the kapparah observance.
Meaning
Kapparah symbolizes the transfer of sins onto a chicken or money, which is then discarded, representing the hope for forgiveness and purification.
Synonyms
- Atonement
- Expiation
- Repentance
