The Origins of the Practice | The Many Different Forms of Head Coverings
Some type of head covering has long been a tradition within the Jewish faith, though the types of hats or covering can vary significantly. Though married Jewish women commonly cover their hair as a symbol of their modesty, the primary reason that Jewish people wear some type of head covering it to show their reverence and respect for the presence of God.
How Did the Practice of Wearing a Head Covering Originate?
While there are many references in both the Torah and the Talmud to the use and purpose of head coverings within the Jewish faith, the actual origins are somewhat ambiguous. In Exodus, Moses wrote that his brother, Aaron, wore a head covering when dressed in his ceremonial attire. In the Talmud, there are two telling discussions of the need for and purposes of a head covering:
- In Shabbat 156b, Rav Nahman bar Yizhak’s mother, upon discovering that her son may become a thief, forces him to wear a head covering and ask God for divine mercy. He avoids his fate until the head covering accidentally falls from his head, at which point he steals some dates.
- In Shabbat 118b, Rav Huna vows that, as a testament to the divine presence of God, he will not walk more than four cubits (approximately six feet) without covering his head
Though early languages seems to indicate that head coverings were generally required only of Jewish leaders, that changed over time. In the 12th century, Jewish philosopher and physician Maimonides noted that a head covering was mandatory any time a person engaged in prayer. By the late 16th century, when the Shulchan Aruch was written, a head covering was necessary for any Jewish male who walked more than four cubits.
In modern times, Orthodox Jewish men typically cover their heads at all times, other than while sleeping or bathing. Head coverings have not been mandatory within the Reform tradition, though the trend over the past few decades has been for the use of a head covering in times of prayer.
What Are Some of the Different Kinds of Head Coverings that Are Used?
Without a doubt, the most common head covering worn by Jewish men (and some women) is the kippah, or yarmulke. Highly recognizable, it’s the minimal type of cap that adorns the crown of your head. Because it’s worn entirely for religious purposes, it may be worn under another hat.
Kippot come in a broad range of styles, often symbolizing the religious affiliation of the wearer:
- Suede yarmulkes—Seen more often within liberal Jewish traditions, the suede kippah may be virtually any color. Haredi Jews typically wear only black ones.
- Knitted or crocheted yarmulkes—Many Modern Orthodox Jews favor the crocheted kippah. It’s not unusual to see a variety of colors and even patterns on these head coverings. Those within the more Orthodox tradition typically sport an all-black one.
- Satin kippot—Customarily worn among older adherents to both the Conservative and Reform traditions, these yarmulkes ten to be softer and more loose-fitting
- Velvet yarmulkes—Almost always black, with a cloth lining, these are most often worn by haredi Jews
- Yemenite kippot—These head coverings are constructed of stiff black velvet, in the form of a dome, often with decorative trim. They are worn exclusively by Yemenite Jews.
- Breslov kippot—Larger than most other yarmulkes, these distinct head coverings are typically white and have a pom on the top. They also have the slogan of the Breslover community embroidered along the edge.
- Bukharian yarmulkes—Like the Breslov kippot, these head coverings are larger, often spanning most of the top of the head. They are frequently hand-embroidered in bright colors.
Larger head coverings or hats are also commonly worn within certain Jewish traditions:
- Fur hats—Within the Hasidic tradition, a number of different, larger fur hats may be worn. The type of hat may depend on the particular sect to which one belongs or it may depend on the occasion or time of the week. These include:
- Streimels—wide brown fur hats constructed of animal fur
- Spodik—similar to a streimel, but dyed black and typically taller
- Kolpik—Akin to a spodik, but reserved for Hasidic leaders and special occasions
- Hats without fur—Some Hasidic Jews wear hats without fur, such as a fedora. Also common are the hoiche—typically black with a brim and high crown—and the platiche biber, similar but with a lower profile
Why Jewish Women Wear Head Coverings
Though Jewish women will wear some type of head covering as a sign of respect and reverence for God, it may also be an indication of their marital status. According to Jewish law, a woman is required to cover her hair once she is married. As a general rule, this requirement only applies when the woman is in the company of any male other than her husband, father, child, grandchild, brother or grandfather. The head covering may take many forms, including a mitpahat or tichel (scarf), bonnet, bandana, beret or other hat. A Jewish woman may also wear a wig, or sheitel, as well as a snood—a cloth or yarn bag similar to a hairnet.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Providing Funeral and Burial Services to the Jewish Community for More than 125 Years
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with chapels in New York and Florida, we have offered comprehensive funeral and burial services to individuals and families of the Jewish faith for more than five generations. We understand the unique practices within the different Jewish traditions and can answer questions and provide guidance on any matter, from preparation of the memorial to the selection of a casket or monument, from the particulars for sitting Shiva to the creation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also be your liaison with the Chevra Kadisha, helping ensure preparation of the body according to Jewish law.
To learn how we can be of assistance, contact us by email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
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