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The Skull Cap (The Kippah)When entering a synagogue, most Jewish men and women cover their heads, as this is seen as a sign of respect. Even visitors to the synagogue who do not have a skull cap of their own are given one to wear for the service. The skull cap is known as the kippah (plural - kippot) in Hebrew and the yarmulke (plural – yarmulkes) in Yiddish. Skull caps are, now-a-days, worn only during a synagogue service, during a religious activity, such as reading holy books or a religious calendar event, or during the blessings which are said before and after a meal. However, Orthodox Jews keep their heads covered all the time, as in the Talmud is stated that no man should walk four paces without something covering his head. The Torah or the Mishnah do not mention what in particular should be used to cover one’s head. The skull cap probably began in the Middle East, because this is where people were often seen wearing head coverings to point out their nationality or status to others. Just like the head coverings in the Middle East, the skull cap was a symbol of the Jews, a positive one, unlike the stars and distinctive clothing that Jews were sometimes forced to wear. The skull cap reminds Jews of the presence of God. They were, back then, worn all the time, which said that there was never a moment where they were not in the presence of God. When making a skull cap, it can be created out of any type of material and contain any sort of pattern or colours, as long as it covers the crown of the person’s head. In the past, Jews wore black skull caps, and white ones for special occasions, but now skull caps are seen of many different colours, designs and patterns. |
