Behind every community success story stands a generous soul who makes it all possible. This year’s revolutionary free Kaparos initiative in Crown Heights was made possible through the vision of Mr. Yossi Popack, which transformed how an entire community approaches this sacred tradition.
When Rabbi Shimon Hecht — who helped his late father, Rabbi JJ Hecht, bring the minhag of Kaparos to Crown Heights and has been overseeing Kaparos for NCFJE since his father’s untimely passing in 1990 — had discussions with community members about making Kaparos more accessible for families, a bold new idea emerged: offer it for free, allowing people to donate per their individual means. Mr. Yossi Popack enthusiastically supported this initiative, and pushed it forward to make it a reality.
This model aligns with Halacha, which emphasizes the importance of the “pidyon” (monetary exchange) alongside the use of a chicken for Kaparos.
The results exceeded all expectations. “Thank G-d we’re happy to say that it was a beautiful success,” noted Rabbi Shimon Hecht. “We were able to supply enough chickens for everyone in a smooth and dignified manner.”
Significant effort was also invested in streamlining the setup at the Beis Rivkah Crown Street parking lot to handle the large crowds, resulting in a quick and seamless experience for all.
Rabbi Hecht, reflecting on his decades of experience, shared: “I have been working in Kaparos together with my father since he brought this minhag back to Crown Heights, and have been blessed since my father’s passing to have run the Kaparos at NCFJE for the last 35 years. This year was a new experience, and BH in all positive ways.”
The organizers express heartfelt gratitude to community pillars Mr. Yossi & Batsheva Popack, Mr. Tuvya Greisman, Rabbi Yitzchok Raskin, The Hecht Team, Mr. Shneur Minsky and the other anonymous benefactors for their support.
Special thanks also go to Rabbi Sholom Goldstein and Beis Rivkah.
Kaparos continues in Crown Heights:
Kaparos continues Tuesday night at 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Beis Rivkah Crown St. with Shchita. People doing Kaparos on money can send their contributions to NCFJE to distribute at NCFJEkaparos.com
Also at Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights
Starts: Tuesday, September 30th at 6:00 PM
Shechita Begins: 9:00 PM
Cost: $10 per bird – Cash Only
First Come, First Served – Limited Supply
Donations are warmly welcomed.
Important Notes:
Birds are provided through a donation model.
By making a $10 donation, you receive the right to use a chicken for the Kaporos ritual, in accordance with halacha. NCFJE retains ownership to ensure proper supervision and compliance with religious standards.
This long-standing tradition organized by NCFJE enables community members to fulfill the mitzvah of Kaporos in a respectful, halachically sound, and dignified way.
A warm thank you to Rabbi Dovid Fischer, Moshe Uri ben Malka.
How much is kapparos at BR on Tue night? Or is it free
Eastern Parkway $10 with Shechitah
Bais Rivkah: $5 kaporros, and $20 just for shechitah
Beis rivkah I was told will be $25.
But Eastern Parkway is $10.
But on this article that says 6:00 p.m.
Which one is it?