כפרות - Kapparot
Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement is one of the holiest days of the year for Jews. The word "Kapparot" comes from the same root as Kippur meaning "Atonements" - And in this case is used to refer to sacrificial chickens. This custom dates back to at least the 9th century C.E. and was originally practiced almost exclusively by Ashkenazi Jews.
On one of the days preceding the Holy Day of Yom Kippur Jewish men and women take a chicken, either a rooster or a hen depending upon gender and wave it around their heads while reciting a special prayer to symbolize purification from sin. The live chicken is taken in the right hand and moved in a circular motion around the head three time - While holding the bird they recite a prayer which basically states the offering to G-d that this chicken will meet its death but that the person making the offering shall find a long and pleasant life of peace by atoning for my sins. The chickens themselves do not makeup for sins alone rather they bring about the awareness of the severity of sin thereby motivating Jews to ask G-d for mercy on Yom Kippur. After the sacrifice has ended Jews typically donate the ritual chickens to charities that feed the poor. CLICK HERE to see a video of Kaparot taking place.
In Isaiah 1:8 it states: And if your sins be like scarlet they shall become as white as snow.
