Before the fast begins...
Malki Foundation
Dear Keren Malki friends,
For our Jewish friends, tonight is the eve of Yom Kippur. As we have mentioned
to our friends’ list in past years, this is when Kapparot, one of
the more colorful traditions of Jewish life, is done.
In its classical form, the custom of Kapparot involved taking a chicken in one's hand, holding it above a person's head and swinging it in a circle three times while reciting a prayer. Many Jews will carry out the Kapparot custom with a chicken. But many - perhaps most - who do it will satisfy their obligation by performing the ritual with money instead.
In this form, money, customarily equal to the price of a chicken, is placed in a handkerchief. The person then swings this three times around his or her head while reciting a modified saying: "This money shall go to charity, and we shall go to a good, long life, and to peace." [You can find the text here.] The swung money, often supplemented with additional charity, is then given to a worthy cause.
Keren Malki volunteers will have distributed Kapparot collection boxes in synagogues throughout Israel during the next few hours. If you will be in synagogue for the pre-Yom Kippur Mincha prayers, please consider contributing via the Keren Malki collection box. We promise to apply your donation money effectively and efficiently.
This being the last of the Ten Days of Penitence when acts of charity are especially respected, you are also invited to donate directly to Keren Malki. You can do this online (www.kerenmalki.org/supporting) by credit card. The details of how, where and tax-deductibility are all detailed here. This is a great way to assist the positive work which Keren Malki does every day for the benefit of families who care at home for a seriously disabled child. We are the only body in Israel who do this work, and we always aim to do it with care and responsibly.
We offer our sincere wishes for a better new year for all, and warm thanks to all of you who have made such a positive difference by your contributions to Keren Malki's work.
Gmar Hatima Tova – may all of us be inscribed for a year of peace, good health and achievement.
The Team at Keren Malki