kippahyarmulke

The kippah, also called a yarmulke, is a small, rounded skullcap worn on the crown of the head by many Jewish men and, in some communities, by women. The practice is a sign of reverence for God and an acknowledgment of Jewish presence in daily life. The term yarmulke derives from Yiddish; kippah is the Hebrew word for a cap. The precise origin of the English term yarmulke is uncertain.

Common usage varies: a kippah is worn during prayer and study, in synagogue, and at meals; many people wear it at all times. It is not universally required by Jewish law, and customs differ by denomination and community. Materials include cloth, knitted yarn, leather, or silk, with a wide range of colors and decorations.

By tradition, Orthodox and Haredi communities typically require or expect men to wear a kippah; in these communities, women generally do not wear kippahs, though some women in more liberal groups wear head coverings as a voluntary practice. In Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist communities, wearing a kippah is commonly a personal or symbolic choice, and women may wear them as well.

Variations are common, including size, fit, and design; kippot may feature religious symbols, team logos, or secular motifs, especially for cultural events or commemorations.