Definition of Yamaka
Judaism is the oldest of the three Abrahamic religions, the others being Christianity and Islam. Though Judaism is still a popular faith, it is rarely understood by those who are not a part of it. This is particularly true with certain customs, such as the wearing of a yamaka.
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Definition
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A yamaka is a thin, slightly rounded skullcap worn by Orthodox Jewish men at all times. This particular hat may also be worn by both men and women during services, particularly in Reform and Conservative communities. The purpose of the yamaka is to show someone's reverence and respect towards God.
Pronunciation
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Yamaka is actually a modern misspelling and mispronunciation of the term used to refer to this religious headgear. The real name for the hat was supposed to be a kippah, or a yarmulke. It's the latter word that the term yamaka came from, since yamaka is a poorly pronounced version of the word yarmulke.
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Etymology
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There are several theories of where the word yarmulke originally came from, but there is one that is currently most agreed on. The word is supposedly a Yiddish word that is derived from the Polish "jarmulka," which simply means "hat." The word may go back even further to Turkey, but experts don't agree on that one way or another.
Origin
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The wearing of a yamaka can be found in what Christians would call the Old Testament, in the Talmud. In Shabbat 156b, the writing states, "Cover your head, that the fear of Heaven may be upon you." While a yamaka may be worn at all times by custom, it is generally agreed upon by many Jews that it is only truly necessary when they are praying.
Reasons
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While many Jews have put a great deal of thought into their faith, there are some common reasons given for wearing a yamaka beyond that it is a traditional act. Reasons to wear a yamaka include acceptance that God is "above" mankind, an acceptance of the 613 mitzvolt (or the Torah commandments), a cultural and religious identification with the Jewish people, and as a demonstration of the "ministry" of all Jews.
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