Yurmalkah
Meaning & Reasoning behind Yarmulka (AKA: Kipah)
BS”D
We found the following fascinating article from our friends at AskMoses.com:
Do you know the origin of the Kipah or Yarmulkah?
by Mrs. Yehudis Cohen
A “Yarmulka” (Also Known As: “Kippa”) refers to a Head-covering worn by Jewish Males. It serves as a constant reminder of existence of a Higher Being (meaning: G-d).
The word “Yarmulka” comes from the Aramaic “Yarei Malka” which means: “Fear (or Awe) of the King (meaning: G-d)”. It is a symbol of humility and submission to the Divine.
It is a very ancient custom which has become accepted practice among Jews. The Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) rules that a male may not even sit without a head-covering.
Another article which answers a fascinating and everlasting question:
“Can I take off my kipah under certain circumstances?”
which was found at: http://www.askmoses.com/en/article/536,1672264/Can-I-take-off-my-kipah-under-certain-circumstances.html
[The parts in brackets were added to help us better understand the meaning of some of the vocabulary]
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: Welcome. I’ll be with you in a moment…What’s on your mind?
not sure: why do men have to wear a Yarmulka [A “Yarmulka” (Also Known As: “Kippa”) refers to a Head-covering worn by Jewish Males. It serves as a constant reminder of existence of a Higher Being (meaning: G-d). The word “Yarmulka” comes from the Aramaic “Yarei Malka,” which means: “Fear of the King (meaning: G-d)”. It is a symbol of humility and submission to the Divine (G-d)] at all times? if one wants to be religious does it have to be worn?
not sure: if its to remind us that G-d [It’s forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It’s therefore, Customary to insert a dash in the middle of G-d’s name, allowing us to erase or to discard the paper which it’s written-on, IF necessary] is above, is it still needed if one is aware of that even when not wearing one?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: when we wear a reminder on our head that is not because we don’t believe so inside. It is to reinforce what we believe, and turn it into an action.
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: in other words, the question would be similar: should someone wear a wedding ring even if they know they love their husband inside?
not sure: can a man be religious if he doesn’t wear one?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: what is religious? it is a made up term 🙂
not sure: to be religious is to keep the laws of the Torah, [Torah is G-d teaching to man. In general terms, we refer the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah”. But, in truth, ALL Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah] most importantly Shabbos [Also known as Shabbat” with its plural: “Shabbatot”. It’s the Hebrew word meaning of “Rest”. It’s a biblical commandment to sanctify & Saturday which is the Final & seventh day of the week as describe in the Torah. This commemorates the fact that after creating the world in 6 Days, G-d rested on the Seventh] and Kosher [Literally means: “Fit”. It’s commonly used to describe foods which are permitted for consumption in-accordance with Jewish dietary laws, BUT, it’s also used to describe religious articles (such as Torah Scroll or a Sukkah) which meet the requirements of the Jewish laws as described in the Torah.]
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: ok — that is one definition of religious. A more common definition of religious is someone who follows ALL the laws of Judaism which includes wearing a Kipah [Also known as a Yarmulka. It’s also sometimes, spelled as any of the following variations: “Kippah” or “Kipa”, “Kippa”. Its plural is: “Kippot”. It refers to a Head-covering worn by Jewish Males. It serves as a constant reminder of existence of a Higher Being (meaning: G-d). It is a symbol of humility and submission to the Divine (G-d).] But hey, if you are not ready to wear a kipah, don’t let that stop you from eating kosher or keeping Shabbat
not sure: what i want to know is if its as important as the other laws?
not sure: when it comes to laws instituted by the rabbis, are they as important as laws from torah?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: For most practical purposes a law from the Rabbis needs to be adhered to like a law from the Torah. After all it is the Torah that says follow the laws of the Rabbis. In certain cases a rabbinic law can be more lenient.
not sure: in the case of a Yarmulka?
not sure: i wear a Yarmulka, but at work and if I’m in a club, i would take it off
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: the question is, if you really love G-d, why would take off the Yarmulka in certain places
not sure: so as not to have people look at Jews in a bad way
not sure: for example, if I’m at a club its not appropriate
not sure: and at work i don’t want to stand out, i don’t want to be judged just from wearing a Yarmulka
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: if you are in a club its not appropriate?
not sure: not really, so thats why i would take off my kipah
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: are you saying that it is not appropriate for you to be there
not sure: it is not, however i enjoy it and would like to go, so I take of my kipah so pl don’t know I’m Jewish
not sure: therefore its no longer not appropriate to be there
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: aha — so in G-d’s eyes it is not appropriate. So you will put G-d (the kipah which reminds you and others that G-d does not want you there) in your pocket, and at the same time you will tell me you don’t need the kipah because you love him without it?
not sure: wow, i never thought of it like that
not sure: its needed so as not to be in that situation where u would take it off
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: bingo!
not sure: 🙂
not sure: thank you
not sure: you really brought some clarity to me
not sure: thank you for your time
not sure: have a wonderful day!
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: my pleasure – and keep doing the right think, you bring clarity to the world
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