| As with any other religion, there are signs, | | | | "doorpost," is a case that contains a scroll with |
| symbols, practices and customs that are an | | | | the first paragraph of the Shema Yisrael (the |
| integral part of Jewish life. One of the obvious | | | | core Jewish prayer) written on it. The prayer |
| identifiers of a religious Jewish man is the kippah. | | | | begins: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the |
| Kippas are the circular skullcaps that Jewish men | | | | LORD is One." Mezuzot are hung on the |
| wear at all times. When visiting a significant | | | | doorposts of most Jewish homes as symbolic |
| religious area like a synagogue, even non-practicing | | | | protectors of the home and reminders of the |
| or non-religious men are encouraged to wear | | | | commandments. The tradition of affixing mezuzot |
| kippas. | | | | has roots within the writings of the Torah |
| Kippah is the Hebrew word for these head | | | | (Deuteronomy). |
| coverings (plural is kippot or kippas). Yarmulka | | | | Another common item in many traditional Jewish |
| (plural is yarmulkes) is the Yiddish word for kippah, | | | | homes is the challah cover for Shabbat dinner. |
| which is more widely known among non-Jewish | | | | There are many beautiful designs available and |
| English speakers. Religious Jewish men wear kippas | | | | they add a decorative touch to the dinner table. |
| at all times, whereas less observant men wear | | | | As well as a symbol of Shabbat tradition, challah |
| kippas only during prayer and religious ceremonies. | | | | covers also serve the practical purpose of |
| The only time observant men don't wear kippot is | | | | keeping the challah bread from drying out. As |
| while sleeping. | | | | common Judaica store products, challah covers |
| In Judaism, covering the head demonstrates | | | | are produced in a variety of materials, including |
| Jewish identity and is an act of religious devotion. | | | | silk, terylene, and velvet. |
| There are some Talmudic references to covering | | | | The menorah is another major aspect of the |
| the head, however the practice is considered | | | | Jewish way of life. There are two different types |
| more of a tradition and custom than a | | | | of Menorahs: seven-branched and nine-branched. |
| commandment. The styles of kippas often | | | | The seven-branched menorah has been an |
| identify social, political or religious association. | | | | important religious and cultural symbol for close to |
| Classical Orthodox men typically wear smooth | | | | 3,000 years and is frequently used to represent |
| black bowl-shaped yarmulkes. Hasidic men wear | | | | Israel. The nine-branched menorah is specially |
| fedoras over large black kippot. Zionists or | | | | associated with Hanukkah, and the extra eighth |
| Modern Orthodox men typically wear knitted | | | | candle is used as a vehicle for lighting the other |
| yarmulkes. These styles stem from religious, | | | | candles. |
| social, and cultural traditions, although some Jewish | | | | Judaica stores, both locally and online, offer a wide |
| men prefer certain materials and styles based on | | | | assortment of Seforim and other Jewish books, |
| personal preference rather than specific affiliation. | | | | kippot, and mezuzot. In addition, a variety of |
| Another Jewish custom that is commonly | | | | items for special holidays like challah covers or |
| practiced is posting a mezuza on the doorpost of | | | | menorahs can also be found. |
| the home. Mezuza, the Hebrew word for | | | | |