Kippah facts for kids

Crocheted kippot for sale in Jerusalem

A kippah (also called a yarmulke) is a small, round cap. It doesn't have a brim. Jewish men usually wear it to cover their heads. This is a tradition in Judaism. Many Jewish men, especially in Orthodox communities, wear a kippah all the time. You will often see kippot (the plural of kippah) available in synagogues and at Jewish events like funerals.

What is a Kippah?

Kippah

The kippah is a special head covering. It reminds Jewish people of God's presence above them. It shows respect and humility. While it's a tradition, some Jewish groups believe it's a religious law to cover the head.

Different Kinds of Kippot

Knitted Kippah

Kippot come in many styles, colors, and materials. The way a kippah looks can sometimes show what Jewish group a person belongs to, especially in Israel.

• Knitted or Crocheted Kippot: These are often worn by Religious Zionists and Modern Orthodox Jews. They might also wear kippot made of suede or leather.
• Black Velvet or Cloth Kippot: Members of most Haredi (also known as Ultra-Orthodox) groups usually wear these.

In the United States, the style of a kippah doesn't always show a person's religious group. People often choose kippot based on personal preference.

Modern and Special Kippot

Kippa

Today, you can find many fun and unique kippot:

• Some kippot have colors of sports teams, like football teams.
• Children often wear kippot with cartoon characters or themes from popular movies like Star Wars.
• Kippot can be personalized. People sometimes have names or dates written inside them as a souvenir for special events, like a bar/bat mitzvah or a wedding.
• While traditionally worn by men, some women also choose to wear kippot.
• There are special baby kippot. These often have strings to tie them on. They are sometimes used during a Brit milah (a Jewish naming ceremony for baby boys).

Kippot and Other Head Coverings

The Samaritans are a group related to Jews. In the past, they wore blue head coverings to look different from Jews, who wore white ones. Today, Samaritans usually wear a type of hat called a fez with a turban. They mostly cover their heads during prayer, on the Sabbath, and during religious holidays.

Images for kids

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  Green kippah found in a Jewish home in Oświęcim, Poland. This kippah is part of the collection at the Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oświęcim.

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  An IDF soldier, Lt. Asael Lubotzky, praying with a kippah and tefillin (a small box containing scrolls with religious texts).

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  Rabbinical chaplain Sarah Schechter with fellow U.S. Airmen wearing camouflage kippot.

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  U.S. President Bill Clinton wearing a kippah during a visit to the grave of Yitzhak Rabin on Mount Herzl.

See also

In Spanish: Kipá para niños