What is a Kippah?

A Kippah (in plural Kippot or Kippahs) is theall times.
Hebrew word for skullcap and know in Yiddish asAnother explanation for wearing a Kippah is given
Yarmulke. This is a thin rounded skullcap worn byby the Kabbalistic Hassidic tradition that says that
Jewish men and boys and in sometimes by bothwe Jewish people cover their head like God is
men and women in Conservative and Reformcovering us with his divine palm and Kippah and
communities. According to Jewish law men areKaf (Palm) are 2 similar words. There are some
required to cover their heads when saying God'smore explanation for wearing a Kippah like
name when they are praying or reciting a blessingidentification of the Jewish people and recognition
also during studying Torah or in Synagogue.that God is above all mankind.
The source of the tradition to wear a Kippah is inThere is no obligation to the way that a Kippah
the Talmud which is the central text for Jewishshould be design however there are several types
law ethics and customs. According to the Talmudof Kippahs. The Hassidic and more religious Jewish
in the chapter dealing with the Shabbat it say:wear black velvet Kippah, the main and the middle
Cover your head in order that the fear of heavenof the orthodox stream wear Knitted Kippah and
may be upon you.". That is the reason that JewishSatin white Kippahs are for Holidays and weddings.
men and boys wearing the Kippah, however fromThere is a difference between the custom of
the Talmud point of view and from Biblical pointwomen in the Reform and Conservative
of view there is no strict obligation to wear acommunities to wear a kippah like the men and
Kippah and if so the Talmud requires to do thatthe Jewish tradition of married women to be with
only in a time of prayer.their heads covered. This custom for women
Over the years this custom of wearing a Kippahcomes from a total different source that the
became mandatory and according to this custommarried women should always cover her head to
a Jewish men and boys should wear the Kippah atmaintain her modesty.