kippa

Kippah, also spelled kippa or kipah, and known in English as a yarmulke, is a small, rounded head covering worn by many Jewish men and, in some communities, by women as well. The Hebrew term kippah (כיפה) means dome or cap, while yarmulke is a Yiddish word whose exact origin is uncertain; the two terms are used interchangeably in English.

Traditionally, the practice serves as a sign of reverence and recognition of God. Rabbinic sources describe wearing a head covering as a reminder of Heaven and as a sign of humility, rather than as an explicit biblical injunction. Customs vary by community and era.

In daily practice, a kippah is commonly worn during prayer and study, and many men wear one at all times in Orthodox and Haredi communities. In Conservative and Reform settings, wearing is common during worship and study; outside of religious contexts, it is often optional. Women in some Orthodox communities cover their heads with scarves or hats, while in many other movements head coverings for women are not required.

Design and materials vary. Kippot are typically circular, roughly 15 to 25 centimeters in diameter, and can be made from fabric, leather, suede, or knitted or crocheted yarn. They may be plain or decorated, and some individuals favor personalized or handmade styles.

Regional practice differs: in Israel and the Jewish diaspora, the kippah is a visible marker of Jewish identity with varying norms about public display. The term yarmulke is common in American English, while kippah is standard in Hebrew and Yiddish-speaking contexts.