Orthodox Jews Debate Chicken-Swinging Ritual

In the Yom Kippur tradition of kaparot, some Orthodox Jews swing a live chicken above their heads, then slaughter it, often donating the meat to charity. But some now say the practice is inhumane. Rabbi Meir Hirsch says the chickens “spend all day in the sun without food or drink” before their deaths. He adds, “You cannot perform a commandment by committing a sin.” Now Hirsch waves a $10 bill over his head instead.