The head covering worn by Jewish men is known as a kippa (literally, dome) or yarmulka. The word yarmulke, is made up of two Aramaic words, “yarei” and “malka,” which mean “fear of the King.” This name expresses one purpose of the head covering, which is to remind us that we are always in God’s presence. It is worn constantly to encourage a feeling of awe that this awareness should bring. As early as Talmudic times, the Sages advised a mother to cover her son’s head so that he would know that the power of God is above him at all times. Today, it is customary to educate boys to wear yarmulkas even when they are very young, most commonly from age three.
The Sages also associated covering the head with the characteristic of humility, related perhaps to the fact that in ancient times, slaves would wear a head covering. The practice of men covering their heads became so widespread that by the 17th century it was recorded in the Code of Jewish Law. Later in history, it became customary for Gentiles to uncover their heads when praying or entering a church. Since the Torah prohibits imitating the customs of other religions, Jews are obligated specifically to cover their heads during prayer.
Since wearing of a head covering at all times is a custom (albeit very widespread) and not a legal requirement, Jewish law allows one to remove the head covering in situations where wearing it would jeopardize one’s livelihood. The exception may be made, for example, for lawyers appearing in court, or people doing business in a place where observant Jews are a rarity. Most men, however, will wear a head covering at all times (except, of course, when bathing, swimming and sleeping). When studying Torah, praying or saying a blessing, wearing a head covering is obligatory.
