In an ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem -- tradition is a way of life.

This time of year it is also a time for observers to cleanse themselves from sins ahead of Yom Kippur -- Hebrew for 'day of atonement.'

Some take part in a mystical custom meant to purge a person of sin, by symbolically passing them onto an animal.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DANIEL ROURDEN SAYING:

"So you take the chicken and you put it around your head three times and then all your sins go to the chicken and when they "shachten" (Yiddish for slaughter) it all your sins are forgiven and its forgiveness before Yom Kippur."

The chicken is later slaughtered, by slitting its throat in a "Kosher" manner and given to charity.

Elsewhere, at the port in Tel Aviv, people gather on the pier to wash away their sins. Jews hold prayers near a running source of water, symbolically casting their sins out to the sea or river.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) A'ARON MA'AYAN

"We are doin