Kapparot

Kapparot, a profound ritual symbolizing atonement through the use of live chickens, transforms every year South Williamsburg into a vibrant tapestry of religious fervor.

South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is home to thousands of Hasidic Jews, mainly of the Satmar sect,
who came to the area from Hungary and Romania

One of the pivotal moments in the annual calendar of the Hasidic community is the observance of Kapparot, a solemn yet deeply meaningful prelude to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur.

Kapparot, meaning atonement, is a symbolic act of repentance: a profound ritual involving a live chicken.
South Williamsburg becomes a tapestry of religious fervor during Kapparot. Families gather at synagogues and communal spaces, participating in the ritual with a profound sense of purpose. The streets echo with the cadence of prayers in Yiddish, creating a spiritual ambiance that transcends the urban surroundings.

This photographic essay is the result of several years immersed in the vibrant life of South Williamsburg. During this time, I committed myself to documenting the rituals and traditions that shaped the daily life of the Hasidic community around me.