The Kippah (Skullcap)
By Lorne Rozovsky
A kippah (literally: dome) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G-d when praying, studying Torah, saying a blessing or entering a synagogue. This practice has its roots in biblical times, where the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.
A kippah (literally: dome) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G-d when praying, studying Torah, saying a blessing or entering a synagogue. This practice has its roots in biblical times, where the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads.
Small children should also be taught to cover their headsTraditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity. Although it is not explicitly required by law, the practice is noted in the Talmud, and through the ages became an accepted Jewish custom, to the point that according to the majority of halachic authorities it is mandatory.
One should, therefore, not walk or even sit
bareheaded. Small children should also be
taught to cover their heads.
Even those who do not wear a head covering
at all times, will cover it as a sign of r
espect when attending religious services
such as at a cemetery, a shiva house, or a
wedding.
Many Jewish men and boys wear a kippah
even while wearing a hat. The rational is
that when the hat is removed either for
comfort or politeness, the head remains
covered.
While most chassidic Jews wear the
traditional black kippah, many Jews will
wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various
colors or designs. During the High Holidays,
many wear white kippot. Some
communities have developed kippah designs
that are highly intricate works of art. Some
of the best known are made by Jewish
artisans from Yemen and Georgia, most
of whom now live in Israel.
For more on the Kippah,
click here and here.
One should, therefore, not walk or even sit
bareheaded. Small children should also be
taught to cover their heads.
Even those who do not wear a head covering
at all times, will cover it as a sign of r
espect when attending religious services
such as at a cemetery, a shiva house, or a
wedding.
Many Jewish men and boys wear a kippah
even while wearing a hat. The rational is
that when the hat is removed either for
comfort or politeness, the head remains
covered.
While most chassidic Jews wear the
traditional black kippah, many Jews will
wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various
colors or designs. During the High Holidays,
many wear white kippot. Some
communities have developed kippah designs
that are highly intricate works of art. Some
of the best known are made by Jewish
artisans from Yemen and Georgia, most
of whom now live in Israel.
For more on the Kippah,
click here and here.
By Lorne Rozovsky More articles... | 
Lorne E. Rozovsky is a Lawyer, author, educator, a health management consultant and an inquisitive Jew. He could be contacted via his web site rozovsky.com.
Illustrations by Yehuda Lang. To view more artwork by this artist
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