It is an ancient practice for Jews to cover their heads with a yarmulke (kippah) during prayer. This probably derives from the fact that in Eastern cultures, it is a sign of respect to cover the head (the custom in Western cultures is the opposite: it is a sign of respect to remove one’s hat). Thus, by covering the head during prayer, one showed respect for G-d.
The Talmud says that wearing a yarmulke is to remind us of G-d, who is the Higher Authority “above us” (Kiddushin 31a). What we do can change who we are and wearing a symbolic, tangible “something above us” reinforces the idea that G-d is always watching. The yarmulke is a means to draw out one’s inner sense of respect for and awareness of G-d.
Whatever the reason given, however, covering the head has always been regarded more as a custom rather than a commandment. Although it is a common pious practice to cover the head at all times, it is not religiously mandatory. For example, it is widely accepted that one may refrain from wearing a yarmulke at work if your employer requires it (for reasons of safety, uniformity, or to reduce distractions). You can take off your yarmulke for a job interview if you think it will hurt your chances of getting the job.
The Significance of Yarmulkes / Yamakas
Appropriately, the Yiddish word for head covering, “yarmulke,” comes from the Aramaic, yira malka, which means “awe of the King.” Over the years, the term has become “yaar-malka,” then Hassidized into “yaar-mulke,” hence Yarmulke. Yarmulke has since evolved into the term Yamaka for many Jews unaware of the origin of the term. In Hebrew, the head covering is called “kippah” – which literally means “dome.”
When men wear yarmulkes this proclaims “I am a proud Jew.” Indeed, wearing a yarmulke is a big statement, and obligates the wearer to live up to a certain standard of behavior. Wearing a yarmulke speaks strongly about ones attitude towards G-d and reflects on all Jews. Wearing a yarmulke is a serious commitment as the actions of a person wearing a yarmulke can create a Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d’s name) or conversely a Chillul Hashem (desecration of His name).
Of course, putting on a yarmulke does not automatically confer “role model” status and certainly it’s not fair to “judge Judaism” based on someone displaying the outer trappings of observance.
Historical References of the Yarmulke
From a biblical standpoint, only the Cohanim (priests) serving in the Temple were required to cover their heads (see Exodus 28:4). Yet for many centuries, the obligatory custom has been for Jewish men to wear a yarmulke all the time, as the Code of Jewish Law says, “It is forbidden to walk four cubits without a yarmulke or head covering.”
There is no special significance to yarmulkes as a specific type of head covering. So whether you call it a Yarmulke, Yamaka or Kippah, its light weight, compactness and discreteness make it a convenient choice of head covering.
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