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Kippah 
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What is worn or not worn on the head is often a symbol expressing allegiance to one or another of the many groups that comprise the fabric of Jewish life. |
| At certain times in our history, Jews covered their heads during prayer and study, identifying this practice with piety and modesty, symbolic of reverence for the presence of God. There were also times when the wearing of a hat or some other head covering was apparently considered to be optional, a matter of custom. Though the Talmud records opposing attitudes about this issue, gradually it became obligatory for observant Jews to cover their heads at all times: "Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you" (Talmud Bavli: Shabbat 156b). The Kitzur Schulchan Aruch, a compilation of Jewish laws and customs, states that one must not walk four cubits nor utter a single word of holiness with an uncovered head, quoting from the Talmud. | 
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The founders of modern Reform Judaism opposed this custom as archaic and regressive and discouraged or prohibited its use in their synagogues. Yet the kippah or yarmulka (often in vibrant colors and in many different styles and shapes), identifying its wearer as a Jew and proud of it, has made a comeback in our movement, which seems to have recognized and accepted the need for these symbols of Jewish identification. |
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Religious Objects is produced by Steve
Butterfass and Eric Bonnell