2 hours ago

Free Chickens in Crown Heights? Eshel Explains Why to Purchase Kapparos

Ahead of Yom Kippur, Eshel – Hachnosas Orchim is calling on Crown Heights residents and Tishrei guests to purchase their Kapparos through the organization’s traditional sale. While Kapparos are being offered at subsidized prices in the neighborhood this year, with some even being given away free of charge, Eshel is asking the community to purchase, as a direct partnership in the Rebbe’s Hachnosas Orchim operation. This year’s price has been lowered to $12 per chicken• Full Letter

In a special letter to the residents of Crown Heights and the guests who have come for Tishrei, Eshel – Hachnosas Orchim expressed its appreciation for the community’s extraordinary dedication to the Mitzvah of Hachnosas Orchim, through their homes, personal involvement, and financial support.

As every year, Kapparos chickens will be sold on Motzaei Shabbos at the corner of Kingston Avenue and President Street. The chickens are Shechted and Kashered and then sent directly to the Hachnosas Orchim kitchens, where they are served to “the Rebbe’s guests.”

All proceeds from the sale are dedicated to Eshel – Hachnosas Orchim, which was established at the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach’s directive and received his special attention and encouragement over the years. Each year, Eshel provides Hachnosas Orchim for thousands of Anash and Temimim who come to 770 for the month of Tishrei, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A Word About the Price

Eshel directly addresses the issue of this year’s price, acknowledging that Kapparos are being offered elsewhere in the neighborhood at subsidized prices, with some even distributing them free of charge.

“We understand the situation, and we did everything we could to lower our price,” the letter states, while pointing out that the chickens, Shechitah, and Kashering all involve significant costs.

“And still, we turn to you — residents of the Sh’chuna and guests who have come for Tishrei: buy your Kapparos from us. Not because of the price — despite the price.”

The letter then gives three reasons for doing so:

1. The Zechus of Partnership: Purchasing Kapparos from Eshel provides direct support for the Chesed institution that the Rebbe encouraged and blessed with special Brachos. For Crown Heights residents, it is an opportunity to become partners in Hachnosas Orchim and receive the Rebbe’s Brachos.

2. Mitzvos Are Paid For: The letter cites the teachings of Chazal regarding the special quality of a Mitzvah for which a person pays from his own pocket. Among the sources brought are the Zohar, the testimony of Rabbi Chaim Vital regarding the Arizal’s practice when purchasing Tefillin and an Esrog, the Shelah, and the Mateh Ephraim, who writes of the Maalah of a Mitzvah that comes through payment rather than for free.

3. With Kapparos — All the More So: Along with the custom of Kapparos, money is given to Tzedakah. When purchasing Kapparos through Eshel, the chicken itself goes to feed the guests, while the payment is also dedicated to Eshel and its Hachnosas Orchim operations.

$12 for a Chicken — For the Rebbe’s Guests

Despite the substantial costs, Eshel says it made every effort to take the community’s financial situation into account and has brought the price down to $12 per chicken.

The letter concludes with a thank-you to the community and a Bracha that the Zechus of supporting Hachnosas Orchim and providing for “the Rebbe’s guests” should stand for everyone for a G’mar Chasimah Tovah, a good and sweet year with Banei, Chayei U’Mezoni Revichi, and, above all, a year of Geulah with the Hisgalus of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach now.