Customs before Yom Kippur

Caparot
The day before Yom Kippur, a ceremony called "Kaparot" is traditionally performed. It is generally translated as atonement, but its deeper meaning is exchange.

A rooster is taken for a man, a hen for a woman, and a text found in the Yom Kippur prayer books is recited (see below). It can also be done with fish and with money (calculating the cost of a full meal).

• The animal or money is taken in the right hand and, after reciting the text, it is passed over the head while reciting "This is in place of me", "this is my replacement", "this is my atonement".
• The entire process is recited three times, each time reciting the introduction and passing the animal or money over the head.
• Then the ritual slaughter (Shjitá) of the rooster or hen is performed (in the case of the fish, it is simply taken out of the water and left to die). The money is then given to someone in need or placed in a piggy bank.
• In the case of using a rooster or hen, the precept of "covering the blood" after the ritual slaughter can also be fulfilled.

One of the ideas behind this ceremony is that if there was a death sentence against the person, that death would be "exchanged" for the death of the animal. It is crucial to understand that the rooster or any other animal is not the source of atonement, but rather serves as a means of raising awareness and motivating the person to do Teshuvah (repentance), since their sins could very well warrant death.

Meat and money are given to the poor.

Festive food
The day before Yom Kippur is a festive day. Although we prepare for a solemn day, a day of judgment, we are confident that we will be successful and sealed for a good and sweet year. It is customary to eat two festive meals, one at midday and one before the fast.

Whoever eats on the day before Yom Kippur is considered as if he had fasted on the 9th and 10th of Tishrei.

Mikve
Men usually go to the Mikveh (ritual bath) before Yom Kippur, to add to their purity before such a special day.

Text by Caparot

Sons of men, who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death, bound by misery and chains of iron; He will bring them out of darkness and out of the shadow of death, and cut off their bonds. Foolish sinners, afflicted because of their sinful ways and their iniquities; their soul loathes all food, and they come to the gates of death—they cry out to Adonai in their trouble; He saves them from their afflictions. He sends out His word and heals them; He saves them from their graves. Let them give thanks to Adonai for His goodness, and let them proclaim His wonderful deeds toward the children of men. If for a man there is but one intercessor angel out of a thousand accusers, to speak His righteousness in his favor, then He will be gracious to that man and say, “Redeem him from going down to the grave; I have found atonement for him.”.
This is in place of me, this is in my replacement, this is my atonement.
This rooster (hen)/ (money) will go to death (tzedakah) and I will go to a good, long life and peace.