A yarmulke, or kippah, is a traditional skullcap worn by observant Jews, usually men. It can be made in various fabrics, colors, and patterns, and is worn during religious activities or all the time. Women may also wear a yarmulke or other head covering.
A yarmulke, also called a kippah, is a skullcap traditionally worn by observant Jews, usually men. It is usually thin and small, but can be made in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns. Larger yarmulkes, covering the entire head almost to the ears, are worn by certain groups. Yarmulke is a Yiddish word derived from the Polish word for “cap.”
The Talmud, a collection of ancient rabbinical writings, refers to a head covering, but whether it should be worn all the time or only during prayer is a matter of debate, just as whether wearing a yarmulke is a matter of Jews. law or custom. In any case, the specific type of head covering is not in dispute, but the yarmulke may have become the norm due to its small size and convenience. As with many Jewish customs, the yarmulke differs significantly between denominations.
Some Jews only wear a yarmulke when participating in religious activities, while others wear it almost all the time. Some groups, such as the Haredi, wear fairly uniform yarmulkes, in this case black velvet, while others allow for significant customization. Yarmulkes can be found in all colors and even decorated with secular images such as sports team insignia and cartoon characters. Some Jewish groups oppose this type of yarmulke.
A yarmulke can be knitted or crocheted as well. Members of the Israeli religious Zionists, followers of Breslov Hasidim, and Kabbalists wear rather large knitted yarmulkes. The Breslov yarmulke is white and inscribed with the mantra Na Nach Nachma Nachman Me’uman in black Hebrew letters. The phrase refers to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, founder of the movement. The kabbalist yarmulke is usually made of a dark colored thread.
Some Jewish men wear a larger hat over a yarmulke; Members of the Haredi, for example, traditionally wear fedoras. Jewish women are subject to the same head covering tradition as men. Although women in more traditional Jewish groups may cover their heads with a scarf, shawl, or hat, those in non-Orthodox groups sometimes wear a yarmulke.
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