Why do Jews wear a kippah (yarmulke)?
Customs and symbolsPending rabbinic review
Short answer
Covering the head is a sign of awe before God – a reminder that there is Someone above. It is a long-standing custom rather than a Torah commandment, recorded in the Talmud and codified in the Shulchan Aruch. Observant men wear a kippah all day; many other Jews wear one for prayer, study and meals.
The sources
The Talmud tells of Rav Huna son of Rav Yehoshua, who would not walk four cubits with his head uncovered, saying “the Divine Presence is above my head”. Another passage relates that Rav Nachman’s mother was told his destiny was to steal, and she made him cover his head so that the fear of Heaven would be upon him. The Shulchan Aruch rules that one should not walk four cubits bareheaded.
The words
Kippah is Hebrew for “dome”; yarmulke is Yiddish, often explained as from Aramaic “yarei malka” – in awe of the King. Styles – knitted, black velvet, suede, large or small – often signal a community, but any head covering serves.
Women
The kippah is a men’s custom. Married women in traditional communities cover their hair for modesty, with a scarf, hat or wig; in some egalitarian communities women also wear a kippah for prayer.
Visitors
Non-Jewish visitors to a synagogue or a Jewish funeral are usually asked to cover their heads as a sign of respect; kippot are provided at the entrance.
When it is required
The halachah requires a head covering for prayer, for saying blessings and for studying Torah. Wearing one all day is a long-standing custom that has the force of law in traditional communities. Some people who work in a non-Jewish environment wear a cap instead; any head covering fulfils the custom.
Sephardi and Ashkenazi
The custom is the same; the style differs by community rather than by Sephardi or Ashkenazi origin.
Sources
Also asked as
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