What is a kippah or yarmulke?
Q: What is a kippah or yarmulke?
A: A kippah or yarmulke is a small cloth cap worn by Jews.
Q: Who traditionally wears a kippah or yarmulke?
A: Traditionally, it was worn only by men.
Q: Are women allowed to wear a kippah or yarmulke?
A: Yes, in modern times the push for equality between the sexes in the practice of Judaism has led some women to wear yarmulkes.
Q: When do some Jews wear yarmulkes?
A: Some Jews only wear yarmulkes while praying; others wear yarmulkes the entire day, making sure not to walk more than four cubits without head covering (especially outside).
Q: What is the basis for wearing a head covering?
A: The basis for wearing a head covering is a story in the Talmud (tractate Shabbat).
Q: How can the color and fabric of a yarmulke be significant?
A: Often, the color and fabric of the yarmulke can be a sign of adherence to a specific religious movement.
Q: What are the kippot srugot and kippot shkhorot?
A: The Israeli National Religious community is often referred to by the name kipot srugot כיפות סרוגות, literally "woven yarmulkes". Similarly, some Haredi sects are referred to by the name kipot shkhorot כיפות שחורות, literally "black yarmulkes".
