Does a Non-Jewish Dad Have to Wear a Yarmulke at a Wedding?
A non-Jew is not required to wear a yarmulke at any time or place---including a wedding---although many consider it polite to do so. The yarmulke (also known as a "kippah") is an outward sign of respect for the presence of God. And while it is a common Jewish practice to cover the head at all times, it is not religiously mandatory.
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Meaning of the Yarmulke
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The term "yarmulke" derives from the Aramaic phrase "yerai malka," or "fear or respect of the King" (the Hebrew term "kippah" means simply "dome" or "skullcap"). When entering a synagogue, it is customary to cover your head, for precisely the same reason that you'd take off your hat when entering a church.
Who Wears a Yarmulke?
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Although the wearing of a yarmulke is a post-biblical custom, Orthodox men of European descent wear it at all times. Jews affiliating with other movements wear it only while praying or eating, and in some temples, women will wear one as well. Non-Jews are technically not required to wear one in Temple, but refusing to wear one may be seen as a cultural snub, similar to not standing for the national anthem at a baseball game, for example.
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Non-Jews and Other Ritual Garb
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Jews have other ritual garments, such as the prayer shawl ("tallit") and phylacteries ("tefillin"), which are commonly worn by men (and in some congregations, women as well) during services. Unlike the yarmulke, it is considered inappropriate for non-Jews to wear these garments, which require the recitation of special Hebrew blessings before donning them.
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- Photo Credit yarmulkes with david's star image by Pavel Bernshtam from Fotolia.com
