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Religions

Kippah/Yarmulke

Last updated 2009-06-23

This article looks at the skullcap Orthodox Jewish men use to cover their heads. It is known in Hebrew as a kippah or in Yiddish as a yarmulke.

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About the kippah/yarmulke

Man wearing a yarmulke ©

Clothing worn by Jews usually varies according to which denomination of Judaism they adhere to.

Orthodox Jewish men always cover their heads by wearing a skullcap known in Hebrew as a kippah or in Yiddish as a yarmulke. Liberal or Reform Jews see the covering of the head as optional.

Most Jews will cover their heads when praying, attending the synagogue or at a religious event or festival.

Wearing a skullcap is seen as a sign of devoutness.

Women also cover their heads by wearing a scarf or a hat.

The most common reason (for covering the head) is a sign of respect and fear of God. It is also felt that this separates God and human, by wearing a hat you are recognising that God is above all mankind.

Different designs of yarmulke ©

History

There is disagreement over whether the covering of one's head is a Torah commandment. However there is some evidence in the Talmud (Jewish teachings) that some form of head covering is required.

One should not walk bare-headed (the distance of) four cubits

Shulchan Aruch, Oracn Chayim, chapter 2

Pride and identity

Many Jews feel that by wearing a skullcap they are proudly announcing to the world that they are Jewish. This is classed as an 'outward sign' of their faith.

It has also become custom to wear kippahs or yarmulkes of certain colours, sizes and materials as a sign of allegiance to a certain group.

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See also

• Religion and Ethics home
• Interfaith calendar
• Ethics guides

Elsewhere on the web

• chabad.org - the skullcap
• Wikipedia - Kippah

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