| A kipa (pronounced KEE-pah) is a head covering. | | | | respect. |
| The plural is kipot (kee-POT, rhymes with "boat"). | | | | When you enter most synagogues, there will be |
| In Yiddish it is called a yarmulka (YAH-mih-kuh; | | | | bins filled with kipot. The men will put them on. (In |
| note that the pronunciation does not resemble the | | | | orthodox communities, men wear them all the |
| English spelling). Kipot are available in many | | | | time, not just in synagogue.) Sometimes you may |
| different sizes, shapes, materials, colors, and | | | | find an inscription on the inside of a kipa, |
| patterns. | | | | commemorating someone's wedding or |
| A covered head was the mark of a servant in | | | | attainment of Bar or Bat Mitzvah status. |
| ancient times. So wearing a kipa can signify that | | | | There may also be a bin or tabletop with bobby |
| you are taking upon yourself the role of a | | | | pins and lacy head coverings. These are for |
| servant, dedicating your Self to something | | | | women to pin on their hair as an alternative to a |
| beyond your own self; or it can just be a ritualistic | | | | hat. Traditionally, married women cover their |
| way to remain conscious of all the associated | | | | heads, unmarried don't. In many synagogues, any |
| values and behaviors; or it can just be an act of | | | | choice women make will be fine. |
| solidarity, belonging, and participation; or it can be | | | | In many Reform temples, and in some |
| just politeness, like removing your shoes when | | | | Conservative synagogues, men and women will |
| going into a Japanese friend's home. | | | | wear the same kipot. In the most extremely |
| These different levels of meaning can also be | | | | non-traditional Reform temples, there may be no |
| applied to the act of reciting prayers, or | | | | kipot at all. Be alert to local custom. |
| participating in any other aspect of Jewish ritual. | | | | Non-Jews are expected to wear head coverings |
| Plenty of synagogue attendees are there primarily | | | | as per local Jewish custom. It need not be a kipa; |
| to support a tradition, or as a courtesy to family, | | | | a hat is fine. |
| or to get a warm sense of identification, or for | | | | There is no ritual or blessing associated with |
| the musical tradition, and so on. | | | | donning a head covering; you just put it on. Head |
| Note that the Jewish tradition of covering one's | | | | coverings are a tradition, not an explicit Torah |
| head as a sign of modesty and respect for higher | | | | Law (Biblical Commandment). They are not |
| authority is different from Christian tradition, | | | | removed when going to the bathroom. |
| wherein one removes one's hat as a sign of | | | | |