Of Kippahs and "Yarmulkes"

Why do some Jews wear a kippah/skullcap/yarmulke? Either for religious, cultural or socio-political reasons.

Religious Jews wear one as per the precept to cover one’s head minimally when praying, studying religious texts and eating, but ideally all the time - except when swimming or bathing, sleeping, and when engaged in physical activities (such as sports) during which the kippah might constantly fall off (though a hat can be worn or the kippah can be clipped on!). The kippah sits on the top of the head as a reminder to the wearer that God’s presence (though everywhere) is symbolically above us (Kiddushin 31a).

Culturally, it is often worn in a context in which "everyone else is wearing it" - such as in a synagogue, at a "Jewish event" such as a Bris, Bar Mitzvah, or wedding ceremony, all of which are religious events.

Socio-politically, kippot of different materials (suede, velvet, knitted) are worn by Jews who identify with a particular level of observance or cultural or religious movements. But most people who wear a kippah regularly have one thing in common - a constant identity marker that declares "I am a proud Jew."

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