Why Do Jews Wear the Kippah?

Many Jews wear a head covering called a kippah or yarmulke. Orthodox or conservative Jewish men commonly wear kippot (plural for kippah), but several other movements have kippah customs. Individuals wear kippot depending on their specific beliefs. Over time different styles have developed, each with its own meaning.

What Are Kippot?

Kippot, or skullcaps, may be large or small, made of satin, leather or velvet, crocheted or knitted. Religious significance for covering one's head is not uncommon, found in the Muslim and Catholic faiths as well. Jews wear kippot to acknowledge and show respect before God.

Etymologies

Kippah literally means "dome" in Hebrew. Another common name for this skullcap is the Yiddish word yarmulke. According to most modern language scholars yarmulke comes from the Polish jarmulka, meaning "cap." Others, such as Rabbi Mordechai Becher, trace its origins to the Aramaic yarei malka, meaning "awe of the King."

Jewish Law

Code of conduct for daily Jewish life is based on sacred texts including the Torah and Talmud, and interpretation by respected rabbis. The Talmud requires priests in the Temple to don head coverings to show reverence for God above them. While laymen were not commanded to wear kippot, traditions developed over the centuries based on the interpretations of rabbinical authorities.

Tradition

The use of kippot varies widely for different Jewish movements and individual observers. The Talmud does not specify the type of head covering to be worn. A Conservative Jew may wear a skullcap at all times except when bathing. Others wear kippot when at synagogue, praying, studying and eating. A kippah may be worn as a sign of respect at holy sites such as the Western Wall and at religious services, even by non-Jews.

In a custom known as upsherin, Jewish boys begin to wear kippot after getting their first haircuts at around age three. Upsherin may also mark the beginning of their formal Torah education. Originally an Orthodox custom, some conservative Jews and others now celebrate upsherin for their daughters as well as sons.

Modern Meanings

Knitted kippot might signify a Modern Orthodox Jew, while black velvet is associated with traditionalism. Some reform Jews wear kippot rarely or never, while some Conservative Jewish women now do. Chasidic Jews have traditionally worn black hats above theirs. The larger the kippah, the more conservative the wearer may be---but the rich symbolism of sizes and fabrics is a modern trend.

Over the centuries, diverse Jewish movements developed in response to changing times, and interaction with other cultures. As one result, many Jews today wear a certain type of kippah to identify their religious and even political beliefs, as well as to show respect for God. Jews in America can be seen wearing different kippot, but the practice is most evident in Israel. Colorful children's kippot, decorated with cartoon characters and sports team logos, have also come into fashion. As they have for generations, kippot will likely continue to evolve as a token of both piety and individuality.

References

• The Salt Lake Tribune; Jews' Coverings Reveal Much About the Wearer; Jessica Ravitz; May 4, 2007
• Chabad.org
• Merriam-Webster