A Hat for Every Sect: What’s the Story Behind the Piece of Cloth on Jewish Heads?

You might wonder about the piece of cloth that Jews wear on their heads, some of whom do not remove it except in the bathroom or when sleeping. It’s known as “Kippah” and it’s worn according to Talmudic beliefs that command them to cover their heads to protect themselves from the anger of heaven. Among Jews, it’s associated with religious observance, and notable figures who have worn it include Messi, Obama, Trump, and Prince William. Orthodox Jews wear it except during sleep and bathing, while non-Orthodox Jews wear it for prayer or in the synagogue.

The Kippah, or Kippah, is the small hat commonly worn by Jewish men, and rarely worn by women. This is based on what is mentioned in the Talmud according to their beliefs, which say “Cover your head so that the anger of heaven will not be upon you.” This hat was an important requirement during their prayers, and it was considered indispensable. However, they are free not to wear it otherwise.

Israeli society encompasses various degrees and types of religiosity. About 65% of Jews in Israel consider themselves secular or “traditional” and do not wear Kippahs. 35% say they are religious to some extent and wear them.

Each stream in Judaism is characterized by a different type of Kippah. There are four types according to the Israeli website:

1. Colorful Knitted Kippahs: Wearers of “Knitted Kippahs” belong to one of the largest streams in Israeli society, known as “Religious Zionism.” Many of this stream’s adherents are settlers or supporters of settlements. The website adds that “Knitted Kippahs” are colorful, sometimes white with some decoration, and sometimes they appear with the Star of David, a symbol linking Jewish and Zionist beliefs. Among the religious streams, wearers of simple knitted Kippahs are considered more moderate religiously. Within this stream, there’s a subdivision based on the size of the Kippah. The smaller the Kippah, the more moderate the person is considered religiously.
2. Black Knitted Kippahs: These belong to the Haredi-Nationalist stream. Wearers of black knitted Kippahs are considered more religious than wearers of colorful knitted ones. Many of them also have short and trimmed beards. They define themselves as Zionists and serve in the army, unlike the Haredi stream. Most of them support the political right.
3. Large Black Kippahs: These belong to the Haredim, and according to the website, “In many cases, we never see them because they disappear under a larger black hat.” The Haredim make up about 10% of the Jewish population in Israel and are considered the most stringent stream in Judaism. Most of them live in separate Haredi neighborhoods only. Most women wear a full head covering.
4. Large White Kippahs: Relatively rare, they belong to the “Preslav” stream. The Preslav community is characterized by the youth of its members, many of whom “returned to religion.” They grew up in secular families and joined this religious community by choice. They advocate for the joy of life and sometimes dance and sing in the streets alongside a large car equipped with speakers to entertain passers-by. In addition to the wide Kippahs, members of this community can be easily recognized by the long tassels hanging from their heads.

According to Dr. Sami Al-Imam, Professor of Jewish Religion at Al-Azhar University, the Kippah is a round head covering that does not cover the entire head. It corresponds to the Arabic term “Qubba” or “Kufa,” which is a miniature model of the dome of heaven. According to Jewish beliefs, it’s a dome over the head or the hand of God that protects the Jew according to their beliefs.

Dr. Imam says, “The Torah – as modified – does not require men to cover their heads, but that came in the Babylonian Talmud as recommended etiquette and not a religious obligation,” pointing out that it came elsewhere in the Talmud, when it was said, “Cover your head so that the awe of heaven will be upon you.”

Professor of Jewish Religion also indicates that covering a man’s head in Judaism comes on two levels, the first is covering the head throughout the day, including sleeping hours. The second is covering the head only during Torah study or prayer.

He points out that Orthodox Jews wear black Kippahs with specific specifications determined by their sect. Zionists use crocheted ones with multiple sizes and colors. The hat determines the religious rank of the person, their sectarian affiliation, and their social status.