Why Do Jewish Men wear those little hats?

Question

Ive always wondered why Jewish Men and Boys wear those little hats On the crown of their heads. Can Somebody please answer that for me please? Thanks!!

Answer 1

To hide our horns.


...just kidding. Seriously though, someone above me already nailed it, so I find it kind of weird that some jerk gave them a thumbs down. The simplest answer is that the kipah (that's the Hebrew word for it, "yarmulke" in Yiddish) is a physical reminder that something is always above us/with us (that is, the Creator, blessed is He).

Nowadays, the yarmulke is significant in that it identifies the wearer as a Jew (although we're not the only ones who make use of skullcaps, and I've seen certain types of caps, just for example, worn by both Jews and Muslims), and, depending on where one is, the style of yarmulke may speak volumes about the Jew's religious or political leanings. More often then not, someone wearing a kipah of plain black cloth is likely to be more conservative in their outlook than one who wears one of the colorful knit variety (in America, where we wear whatever the hell we want, this doesn't necessarily always apply). I think the reason Hareidi Jews (the so-called "ultra" Orthodox) don't wear the knit ("s'ruga") type is because it became common for girls to knit them for their boyfriends, and of course, youngsters oughtn't be dating except as part of courtship leading directly to marriage. So that's a bit of trivia for you.

Other than these modern-day implications of wearing this type of yarmulke or that type of yarmulke, the yarmulke has little to know religious significance in and of itself. That is to say, it's a rabbinic decree that all Jewish men should keep their heads covered at all times (there are exceptions of course... we don't have to wear them when swimming, for example), but as far as I can tell, the yarmulke really became popular because it's simple and lightweight. Any item that covers the head and can be seen from all sides, can fullfil the obligation. Sometimes I wear a baseball cap. Many Jews wear fedoras, or streimels (those big fur hats), usually with kipot (plural of kipah) underneath, though. I wear one underneath just in case I have to lose whatever hat I'm wearing over it.

As if this answer wasn't long enough, I can give you a little cultural background in addition to the legal ruling, so if you're interested, read on. From what I understand, in ancient times (we're talking Greco-Roman), it was the prevailing custom that slaves covered their heads, and only free men went bare-headed. As servants of the Almighty, the humility of keeping our heads covered is an important part of our religious observance. In short, where in Western society today, people uncover their heads to show respect, Jews have always done the opposite for the same reason.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

The kippah is worn by Jewish men to remind them of the One above (the existence of G-d). Jewish women do not wear a kippah because according to Judaism, women are more aware of G-d than men and therefore they need no reminders. In Orthodox Judaism women cover their heads (once married) with a scarf or a hat or a wig, but this is done for modesty.

Answer 3

A kippah or yarmulka is worn by 'usually' Jewish men, but women are now starting to wear them.

The sources for wearing a kippah are found in the Talmud. It states "Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you."

Reasons for wearing one today are:

* recognition that God is "above" humankind,
* "acceptance" of the 613 mitzvot (commandments),
* "identification" with the Jewish people,
* demonstration of the "ministry" of all Jews.

Answer 4

Because in the Old Testament it says that ALL jews should cover their heads, not only women, the same is actually true for Islam. so orthodox jews keep their heads covered, as do orthodox male Muslims.

Answer 5

I am jewish and some of us wear thoses little hats ( by the way which are called yamikas and i would appritiate it if you called it that) are religeous signs that we are jewish and we pray a lot and we are very proud of it. me i dont wear one exept for a service at temple but they are very comfy and you should be pround if you wear one.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Its a rabbinical decision to remind us that there is a higher power above us. Some poeple don't follow this decision.

Answer 8

that is the kipa- it is a symbolic item men wear it ,declaring its Judaism by this item. like any other religious Jews also have their item like Muslim and Hindu or ...chines every one have its item

Answer 9

Male pattern baldness

Answer 10

it's a fashion statement. it's the new thing in style. the Jewish fashion.