Why do we wear kippot

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The kippah has become the most visible religious emblem for Jewish men. But while it is an accepted part of Orthodox life to keep your head covered, it is not a commandment in the biblical sense. In this it differs from a sheitel, snood or scarf. The practice of married Jewish women covering their hair is derived from the Torah — from the ritual of the sotah, the test of a woman suspected by her husband of infidelity. So how did the kippah arrive on Jewish heads?

From such sources you might conclude it was regarded as fitting for a man of distinction such as a rabbi to wear a hat, but not necessary for all. But from other discussions about what was required to lead prayers, Rabbi Becker determines that generally a man was expected to go about with head covered.

The mystics thought otherwise. But still there was not consensus. Advocates of covering, meanwhile, cited a new motivation. Rabbi Becker notes the early Christians were instructed by Paul to doff hats when praying as a matter of honour the contrary was thought true for women. In non- Orthodox communities some women also wear kippot, and people have different customs about when to wear a kippah — when eating , praying , studying Jewish texts , or entering a sacred space such as a synagogue or cemetery.

The Reform movement has historically been opposed to wearing kippot, but in recent years it has become more common and accepted for Reform men and women to cover their heads during prayer and Jewish study. Keeping the head covered at all times has mystical significance, and for this reason some people cover their heads twice — a hat over a kippah, or a tallit prayer shawl over a kippah —while praying.

Schwartz writes about how to decide whether wearing a yarmulke is right for you. Rabbi Victor S. He lives with his husband, Colin Hogan, and their two sons, Avi and Lev.

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