Yamaka, yarmulke, kippah (or kippa) – or every name ever used to designate a Jewish Skull Cap goes back in history. The word Yamaka is actually rarely spelled that way, and ironically yarmulke is often pronounced yamaka. However there is no doubt that the original word is “yarmulke”.
So where did this word come from? The Yiddish word yamaka (yarmulke) most likely comes from the Aramaic, “yira malka”, which literally means “awe of the King.” The concept would be that one who is in awe of “The King” meaning G-d then he would humbly keep his head covered. Interestingly, the word kippah in Hebrew actually means dome. Kippah (or kippot for plural) has become much more widely used to designate the skullcap worn by Jewish men.
Reasons Given for Wearing a Kippah / Kippot Today Include
While there are many reasons given by the rabbinical authorities and Jewish mystics for the purpose of wearing a kippah or yarmulke, below are some of the more simple ones:
- Recognition that God is “above” humankind
- “Acceptance” of the 613 mitzvot (commandments)
- “Identification” with the Jewish people
- Demonstration of the “ministry” of all Jews
It is also known that the High Priest in the times of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Kohain Gadol, also used to wear a woolen kippah under his priestly headdress (Talmud Chulin 138a).
It is important to note that while most orthodox men cover their heads all day with a kippah or yarmulke, there are dissenting views even amongst the orthodox authorities as to whether this is a requirement or a stringency. All orthodox authorities would agree, however, that a kippah or yarmulke must be worn by a Jewish male during prayer or while studying the Torah.
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