A yarmulke (Yiddish יאַרמלקע yarmlke) or Kippah (Hebrew "כִּפָּה" kippāh, plural kippot) is a thin, usually slightly rounded cloth cap worn by Jews. Yarmulkes range in size from 6" in diameter to 9 1/2" (150 mm to 240 mm) or larger.

Traditionally it was worn only by men (women covered their heads more completely with scarves, hats, or wigs), but in modern times the push for equality between the sexes in the practice of Judaism has led some women to wear yarmulkes. Some Jews only wear yarmulkes while praying, making blessings, or studying Jewish religious texts; more traditional Jews wear yarmulkes the entire day, making sure not to walk more than four cubits without a head covering (especially outside).

Often, the color and fabric of the yarmulke can be a sign of adherence to a specific religious movement. The Israeli Religious Zionist community is often referred to by the name kippot srugot כיפות סרוגות, literally "woven yarmulkes," though they are typically crocheted. Similarly, some Haredi sects are referred to by the name kipot shkhorot כיפות שחורות, literally "black yarmulkes"; their yarmulkes are usually sewn of black fabric, often larger than kippot srugot, and sometimes covered by a hat.

Etymology

Yarmulkes on sale in Jerusalem, June 2004

The etymology of yarmulke is unclear. Some linguists (e.g. Max Vasmer) maintain that the Yiddish word is derived (via Ukrainian or Polish) from the Turkic yağmurluk, meaning 'rainwear'. Other linguists (e.g. Herbert Zeiden) regard this hypothesis as untenable but still believe a Turkic origin is likely, suggesting that the first part of the word may come from yarim, a Turkic adjective meaning 'half', while the second part may come from qap, a Turkic word for 'cap', 'shell', 'enclosure', or 'container'.

Traditionally, yarmulke is considered to have originated from the Aramaic phrase "yarei mei-elokah" (in awe of the Lord), in keeping with the principle that the yarmulke is supposed to reflect someone's fear of heaven. Or perhaps, "yira malkah" (fear of the King).

In Hebrew, the word kippah means dome.

Purpose

The late Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik of Yeshiva University (N.Y., USA) wearing a typical black cloth yarmulke

The source for wearing a yarmulke is found in the Talmud. In tractate Shabbat 156b it states Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you. As well, in tractate Kiddushin 32a it states Rabbi Huna the son of Rabbi Joshua never walked 4 cubits (2 meters) with his head uncovered. He explained: "Because the Divine Presence (Shekhina) is always over my head." While there is a minority opinion that wearing a yarmulke is a Torah commandment, most halakhic decisors agree that it is merely a custom, though one that has taken on the force of law. This is codified in the Shulkhan Arukh Orach Chayim 2:6.

Reasons given for wearing a kippah today include:

• recognition that God is above us,
• acceptance of the 613 mitzvot (commandments),
• identification with the Jewish people.

External links

• Aish HaTorah's Ask the Rabbi on head covering (http://www.aish.com/rabbi/ATR_browse.asp?s=Yarmulke&f=tqak&offset=1)
• Ohr Someyach's Ask the Rabbi on head covering (http://ohr.edu/ask/ask221.htm#Q3)
• Chabad-Lubavitch Laws of head covering (http://www.chabadtalk.com/go/ph/ph-7.htm)