This article called "Jews throughout the country to begin Yom Kippur fast on Wednesday night" states, "In some Ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods, the traditional "kaparot" ceremony will be held on Wednesday morning, where a chicken is slaughtered as symbolic atonement for humans sins. In some communities the custom has been replaced by the giving of alms."
 
FULL ARTICLE at
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/634342.html
 
Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.