An ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy holds a chicken as he performs the Kaparot ritual in Jerusalem
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy holds a chicken as he performs the Kaparot ritual in Jerusalem early morning October 2, 2014, ahead of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, which starts at sundown on Friday. Kaparot is an ancient custom connected to Yom Kippur, where white chickens are slaughtered as a symbolic gesture of atonement. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (JERUSALEM - Tags: RELIGION ANIMALS)