What do the Kippah Styles Mean?

Submitted by Hannah Feldfix on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 09:06

A Kippah, or a Yarmulkeh, is a Jewish men's head-covering. An item of Judaica, it can be found atop the heads of orthodox Jews regularly, and is used on special Jewish occasions or at synagogue by Reform, conservative, or traditional communities. Fabric, velvet, embroidery or crochet, this symbolic Jewish adornment is a customary requirement according to the Halacha (Jewish law). Many synagogues keep a stash of spare Kippot available for those who arrive without to events or prayers.

The word Kippah means "dome," and is also the word used for the domed rooftops in Jerusalem, as well as the Dome of the Rock, and the protective Israeli Iron Dome.

There is considerable debate between the different rabbis and communities as to whether it is necessary to wear a kippah at all times, even Maimonides saying that although it is recommended strongly to, it is only required during prayer. There are also communities who say it isn't necessary indoors. Nevertheless, orthodox Jews tend to very carefully wear a Kippah wherever they go.

Although any head cover will do, even a cap, and certainly any type or style of Kippah, different types and styles of Kippot can signify which branch or community of Judaism you are in. Particularly in Israel, the style of your Kippah is more than just a fashion statement. It tells onlookers something about your personal Jewish identity.

	Knitted or crocheted kippah	The knitted or crocheted kippah is available in various sizes, colors and patterns. Generally representing the Israeli modern-orthodox dati leumi community, the black knit kippot signify being somewhat closer to haredi, whereas the colorful patterns are symbolic of being further from that, with small knit kippahs or designs knit with pictures of modern trends or themes being the most casual of dati leumi.
	Suede Kippah	A suede Kippah is common among the modern orthodox, conservative, and reform communities. It can be used by any and doesn't carry as much significance, one of the classics. Terylene Kippot are favored by yeshivish, hasidic, haredi or lubavich people, as are velvet kippot, both traditional in style and black in color.
	Satin kippah	Satin kippahs are often the type found in conservative or reform synagogues, temples, and homes. They are a common bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah party favors, and may include the names and dates of the event.
	Breslov Kippah	Full head covering white crocheted kippot, sometimes with a pom pom or tassle on top, sometimes with words in black around the head, are a breslev or Jerusalem style of kippah. Found a lot in Jerusalem, it is also the favored type of Kippah of the Na Nach group of Breslov Jews, in which case it has the words "Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman" written along the bottom of the cap.
	Bukharan Kippah	Bukharan Kippot are beautiful fabric caps that cover the full head, and are covered completely with colorful embroidery. These stylish kippot are mostly worn by Bukharian Jews and children, the latter simply because it is easy to keep on the head of a child due to the fact that it is large and rounded and doesn't fall off easily. This is much easier to keep on a small child's head than the other, flatter styles of kippot that only cover a portion of the top of the head, and may be secured with a clip, but still fall off of children rather easily.
	Yemenite Kippah	Yemenite Kippot are a stiff black velvet dome with a geometric or otherwise patterned decorative strip around the edge.
	Mesh Kippah	Mesh Kippot are ideal for sports and are a perfect casual hot weather kippah choice among dati leumi, modern orthodox, conservative, or even some haredi communities.
	Velvet Kippah	Terylene Kippot are favored by yeshivish, hasidic, haredi or lubavich people, as are Velvet Kippot, both traditional in style and black in color.
	Linen Kippah	Linen Kippot too are a smart choice for a lightweight fabric traditional style of kippah that works well in hot weather and is easily washed.

With the exception of the full head coverage types, which are their own category, kippot tend to be larger and blacker the more haredi the wearer, and the smaller or more colorful or modern themed the kippah, the more modern and less haredi the wearer.

These are not always true, of course, but when picking your own style of kippah, these guidelines are helpful to keep in mind so that you don't project the image of a faction of Judaism you don't represent or connect with.

Kippot are often gifted at bar mitzvahs (in reform communities, also bat mitzvahs), and children typically start wearing them either at the age of three after the upsherin (Chalakeh in Hebrew) haircut in orthodox communities, or later, but it is a long running Jewish custom and is close to the hearts of many. This has resulted in a beautiful array of different creative and stylish options for kippot around the world and in different communities in Judaism.

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