Many choose a kippah for this purpose (also called a yarmulke or skull cap), but others fulfill the obligation with any kind of secular head covering (baseball caps are popular). Some wear a head covering all the time, others wear one just inside a synagogue, while studying Torah and/or when eating. Jews from non-Orthodox movements also cover their heads - men and, in some cases, women. Today, most Jewish men who identify as Orthodox cover their heads at all times (except when sleeping or bathing). In the 20th century, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, and American Orthodox legal authority, issued a special dispensation for men to not wear a kippah at work if necessary - implying that the practice is generally obligatory. By this time, head covering was de rigeur for Ashkenazi Jews. Maimonides wrote that head covering was required for prayer (Mishneh Torah, Hilkhot Tefillah 5:5) and the most influential medieval Jewish law code, the Shulchan Aruch, states that men are to cover their heads when walking more than four cubits (like Rav Huna did). Though these ancient texts seem to imply that head covering was specifically the province of Jewish religious leaders, by the medieval period it was widespread. He manages to behave well until that covering accidentally slips off and he succumbs to the temptation to steal some dates (Shabbat 156b). The mother of Rav Nahman bar Yizhak learns that her son is destined to be a thief and so she makes him cover his head and pray for divine mercy. In the Talmud, Rav Huna is quoted as saying that he did not walk a distance of four cubits (about six feet) with his head uncovered to acknowledge the divine presence above his head (Shabbat 118b). The Torah says that Aaron, the first high priest, wore a head covering as part of his ceremonial garb (Exodus 28:36–38). The origins of Jewish head covering practices are not entirely clear. This article focuses on hats worn for the purpose of reverence modesty hair coverings - scarves, wigs and hats worn mostly by Orthodox women - are discussed here. Some Jewish women cover their hair when they are married in order to be modest in appearance. Traditionally, Jewish men have covered their heads for centuries as a sign of reverence and respect for God’s presence above. In this article, we’ll explain the tradition of Jewish head covering and review some of the most common styles you’ll see around the world. There are also a remarkable array of styles. Nearly every Jewish community has some kind of head covering tradition, but there are many different ideas about who should wear them and when. My Jewish Learning is a not-for-profit and relies on your help Donate
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