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Why Yarmulkas Are Worn

Answered by Rabbi Moshe Travitsky

Question

Why do men wear Yarmulkas? What does it say in the Torah about them?

Answer

Wearing a Yarmulka is not biblical in nature. There is no requirement in the Torah that men wear a Yarmulka.

The Talmud (Kidushin 31) writes that some of our Sages would not walk even a few feet with an uncovered head, so that the fear of heaven should always be felt upon them. ( The word “Yarmulka” is said to be a contraction of “Yara”-“Malka” – Aramaic for “fear of the King”).

In the Code of Jewish Law, (Shulchan Aruch) 4:6, it says that not to go four cubits (about 7 feet) with an uncovered head. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein in his Responsa (Igros Moshe OC 4:2) explains that although this originated as an act of extra piety, since it became universal for Jews to cover their head, it remains an obligation upon us.

Moshe Travitsky
Bensalem Outreach Center

Follow-up questions (2)

Question

Where did the specification of which kind of yarmulka come from? In today’s society wearing a certain kind of yarmulka says a lot about a person as far where they are holding in religiosity (kippa sruga, velvet, etc.) Does it really matter in the scheme of things which kind you wear?

Answer

Technically there is no difference. However, you can well understand that just like buisnessmen wear suits to portray a certain image, sailors wear their uniform to show what they do, it’s become a common practice in the Jewish world to make a statement about where you affiliate by the kind of yarmulka you wear.

Moshe Travitsky
Bensalem Kollel

Question

When did it become universal for Jews to cover their heads? Can a male say a blessing or pray without covering his head?

Answer

Although the Talmud mentions great sages that covered their hair, as far as it being a universal obligation, it is stated in the Tur (early 1300’s) and Shulchan Aruch, ( which dates back to the 1500’s), that it is prohibited to go 4 cubits (7-8 ft.) with an uncovered head.

A male is absolutely not permitted to make a blessing or pray without covering his head.

All the Best,
Moshe Travitsky