Ultra-Orthodox Jews in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood of Jerusalem were seen practising a centuries-old tradition known as the ‘Kaparot’ (Redemption of Atonements) ritual on Thursday.

The ancient custom sees worshippers waving a white chicken above their heads as prayers are recited. Orthodox Jews believe that sins accumulated throughout the year will be transferred to the bird, thus granting them atonement.

After the ritual, the chickens are butchered according to kosher practices and often donated to charity or impoverished children. The Kaparot ritual is traditionally observed annually on the eve of ‘Yom Kippur’ (Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

In recent years, senior rabbis in the Orthodox community have called on worshippers to wave money above their heads instead of chickens when performing the ritual. The religious leaders claim observing the custom with money and donating it to financially challenged communities is a more effective way to seek atonement and prevent causing unnecessary stress to animals.