How to Buy a Yarmulke
If you want to buy a baseball cap, there are numerous variations: with or without team names, various logos, different colors, long and short bills and seasonal varieties. When you want to purchase a yarmulke (also known as yamulka, kippah, kippa) there are just as many choices.
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Instructions
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A Time and Place for Yarmulkes
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Stick with a black or white satin yarmulke, if you like "tradition." As with a black dress or suit, you can never go wrong. In many synagogues, it is either custom or law to wear a head covering. Yet, nothing is written about the color, texture, material or shape. What's important is wearing the yarmulke, not what it looks like. However, if this is for a special occasion, such as a Bar (Bat) Mitzvah or wedding, think twice about anything that would offend one of the guests. You will want to stay with something on the conservative side, such as the satin or suede. These can be decorated on the outside to give them a special look.Price will be a consideration if you are having a large event with many people invited. Your selection will not be as wide, since you may not want to pay $20 per yarmulke for a Bar Mitzvah. In bulk, with the more standard yarmulkes, you can pay approximately $2.50 for each one. (You can find them for less. Many are made in China. If you want one made in the U.S. or Israel, carefully read the Web site for more information on manufacture) Remember to put the celebrant's name inside the cap along with the date.
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Pick any kind of yarmulke, if this is for your own use. See it as another way to express who you are, like the clothes you wear or your hairstyle. You do not want to get anything too far out that will limit you to wearing it only on certain occasions. Although yarmulkes are not very pricy, you do not want to order a new one for every holiday. Consider getting a couple of different ones depending on your mood and dress style.
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Look at the different types of yarmulkes that are available and then make the decision. If you live in a large city with a high population of Jewish residents, there will be Judaica shops. You can also look in the yellow pages under Judaica for stores, manufacturers or distributors in your area. Synagogues will sell a few different types, but the selection will not be wide.Of course, on-line you can search for "yarmulke" or the equivalent and get thousands of hits. There will be e-commerce Web sites from the United States, Israel and other countries from which to order. There are probably a number of them being sold on E-bay, as well. You will also see the many different styles available--even for a pet dog! Be sure to compare prices and shipping and handling for the same style. Many different stores will carry the same yarmulkes.
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Find yarmulkes through the sources noted above or put a request on Craig's List or in your synagogue newsletter, since there are many people who knit or crochet them. By choosing your own "look," there are myriad possibilities. You can wear your own style, rather than one from the community yarmulke basket at the synagogue.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that your interests will change with time. Who knows? You may decide you like the Boston Red Sox instead of the New York Yankees, and that yarmulke with the Yankees logo may no longer be valid. Buy a yarmulke that will be distinct enough to be different, but mainstream enough that it will be wearable if/when you change.
