Pronunciation: [mˈaʃlɒk] (IPA) 
Mashloch is a Hebrew word spelled מַשְׁלוֹחַ. The first letter, מ, is the Hebrew consonant "mem." The second and third letters, שׁ and ל, form the consonant blend "shl" and are followed by the vowel "o" pronounced as the "o" sound in "hot." The fourth and final letter, ח, is the Hebrew consonant "chet" and is pronounced as a guttural "kh" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /maʃˈlo.ah/.
Mashloch is a term used in Jewish tradition that refers to a type of offering made by an individual during the ritual of Kapparot, which is performed in the days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The word "mashloch" is derived from the Hebrew root "sh-l-ch," meaning to send or dispatch.
During Kapparot, a person takes a live chicken and waves it over their head while reciting a prayer. This act is symbolic of transferring one's sins and transgressions onto the chicken, representing the atonement process. After the ritual, the chicken is ritually slaughtered, and its meat is traditionally given to the poor as an act of charity.
The term "mashloch" specifically refers to the chicken that is used in the Kapparot ritual. It signifies that the chicken is sent or dispatched to fulfill its purpose in facilitating the individual's atonement. The act of using a mashloch emphasizes the idea of transferring one's sins to the chicken, sacrificing it to atone for one's own wrongdoings.
The concept of mashloch holds deep religious significance for those who practice Kapparot as it represents the individual's sincere desire to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins. It serves as a tangible symbol of the atonement process, allowing individuals to engage in a physical act of transferring their transgressions onto another being as part of the spiritual journey towards repentance and reconciliation with God.
