Why Do Jews Cover Their Heads in Temples? Understanding the Kippah and Tallit

For many Americans, visiting a synagogue or other Jewish house of worship might bring up a common question: "Why do Jewish men, and sometimes women, cover their heads?" This practice, often seen in movies or observed firsthand, is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and carries significant meaning. The head covering, most commonly known as a kippah (plural: kippot) or yarmulke, is a visible symbol of Jewish identity and observance.

Understanding the practice requires delving into the history, religious significance, and variations within Jewish communities.

The Kippah: A Symbol of Reverence

The most common head covering worn by Jewish men during prayer and in sacred spaces is the kippah. The term "kippah" is Hebrew for "dome" or "vault," referring to its shape. The Yiddish word "yarmulke" is also widely used, though its origins are debated.

Origins and Meaning

The custom of covering the head in the presence of God is not explicitly commanded in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Instead, it developed over centuries as a sign of respect and awe for the Divine. The Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, discusses the importance of covering the head, with some interpretations suggesting that covering the head signifies awareness of God’s presence above.

Key reasons for wearing the kippah include:

Reverence and Humility: Covering the head is seen as an act of acknowledging a higher power and recognizing one's own humility in the face of God. It's a way of saying, "God is above me."
Awareness of God's Presence: For many, the kippah serves as a constant reminder that God is omnipresent and watching. This encourages a greater sense of mindfulness and piety in one's actions.
Tradition and Identity: Wearing a kippah is a strong marker of Jewish identity. It connects individuals to generations of Jews who have worn it and to the broader Jewish community.
Respect for Sacred Spaces: When entering a synagogue, a place dedicated to prayer and Torah study, covering the head is a sign of respect for the holiness of the space.

Variations in Practice

The custom of wearing a kippah can vary significantly among different Jewish denominations and even within individual families:

Orthodox Judaism: In Orthodox communities, it is customary for men to wear a kippah at all times, not just in synagogues. Some very devout individuals may wear it even when showering or sleeping.
Conservative Judaism: In Conservative synagogues, men are generally expected to wear a kippah during prayer services and while in the sanctuary. Some men choose to wear it more often as a personal commitment.
Reform Judaism: In Reform Judaism, the practice is more varied. While many men wear a kippah during services, it is often seen as a personal choice rather than a strict requirement. Some Reform congregations also have women who choose to wear kippot.
Women and Kippot: In recent decades, particularly within more liberal streams of Judaism (Reform and Conservative), some women have adopted the practice of wearing kippot, especially during prayer services. This is often seen as an expression of egalitarianism and a desire to participate fully in Jewish ritual life.

The Tallit: The Prayer Shawl

Another significant head covering, though primarily worn by men, is the tallit, also known as a taleth. This is a fringed prayer shawl that is worn during morning prayer services (Shacharit) and often on other occasions, such as Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

What is a Tallit?

A tallit is typically made of wool, cotton, or silk and is usually white with stripes (often blue or black) along the edges. The most distinctive feature of the tallit are the tzitzit – the fringes attached to each of the four corners. These tzitzit are a direct commandment from the Torah (Numbers 15:38-41) and are intended to remind the wearer of God's commandments.

Why is it Worn?

The primary reasons for wearing a tallit are:

Observance of a Mitzvah (Commandment): The Torah commands the wearing of tzitzit on the corners of garments. The tallit is the garment designed to fulfill this commandment.
Recalling God's Commandments: The tzitzit are meant to serve as a visual reminder of God's presence and the importance of adhering to His commandments.
Prayer and Concentration: Some find that the tallit helps them focus during prayer, creating a personal space for communion with God.
Symbol of Jewish Identity: Like the kippah, the tallit is a visible symbol of Jewish identity and religious commitment.

Bar Mitzvah and Tallit

Traditionally, a Jewish boy begins wearing a tallit after his Bar Mitzvah, which marks his transition into religious adulthood at age 13. At this point, he becomes responsible for observing the commandments. Some men wear a smaller, often silk, tallit under their clothing throughout the day, known as a tallit katan (small tallit), as a constant reminder of the mitzvah of tzitzit.

FAQ Section

How does one choose a kippah?

Kippot come in various materials, colors, and designs. The choice often reflects personal preference, community custom, or even affiliation with a specific movement within Judaism. Traditional kippot are often black velvet or crocheted. Some wearers choose colorful or uniquely designed kippot to express their personality.

When did covering the head become a custom for Jews?

While not a direct Torah commandment, the practice of covering the head in religious contexts developed over centuries. Rabbinic tradition and interpretations in the Talmud, dating back to the early Common Era, provided the basis for the custom as a sign of reverence for God.

Do all Jewish men wear a kippah?

No, not all Jewish men wear a kippah. While it is a strong tradition in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, its observance varies significantly, especially in Reform Judaism and among secular Jews. Many Jewish men wear a kippah only during prayer services or when in a synagogue.

Are there different types of tallitot?

Yes, there are several variations. The most common is the adult tallit worn during morning prayers. A tallit katan is a smaller version worn under clothing. Some tallitot have elaborate designs or are made of different materials. For women who wear a tallit, there are often specific designs tailored for them.

Why do some people wear their kippah tilted to the back?

Wearing a kippah tilted back is sometimes a matter of personal comfort or style. However, for some, it may be a subtle expression of not wanting to "stand out" or a way to avoid appearing overly pious, especially in less religious settings. Conversely, some believe that covering more of the head, or wearing it lower, signifies greater reverence.