Beneath the Kippah: How a Custom Became an Identity

For many Jews today, wearing a kippah (yarmulke) is part of daily life. Yet, a closer reading of Jewish texts reveals that this practice was not always seen as essential. There was a time when it was considered a mark of piety, not a requirement. Some believed it was necessary only during prayer. Others maintained that a kippah should be worn only when walking around. So, how did the kippah become a near-universal symbol of Jewish identity? And is it truly obligatory today?

Origins and Evolution in Jewish Law

The tradition of wearing a head covering is referenced throughout rabbinic literature. The Talmud notes that judges must wear head coverings, and Rashi explains this is due to reverence for the Divine presence. In the same section, we encounter the story of Rabbi Nachman bar Yitzchak. As a child, astrologers predicted he would become a thief. His mother made him wear a kippah at all times to instill fear of Heaven. One day, climbing a tree, his kippah fell off, and he suddenly felt the urge to steal. This supports the sages’ teaching that the Divine presence rests above the head, making the kippah a symbol of higher accountability.

Still, the kippah is not a commandment from the Torah. As Rabbi Gad Lior explains, “Did Avraham or Adam wear a kippah? It's not explicitly stated in the text. Avraham kept all the commandments, so perhaps he did, but the first real reference appears in the Talmud.” There, it is said that Rabbi Huna, son of Rabbi Yehoshua, would not walk four cubits (approximately six and a half meters) without a head covering, declaring that the Divine presence rested above him. This passage led to the halachic ruling found in the Shulchan Aruch: one should not walk four cubits bareheaded.

Custom, Obligation, and Contemporary Practice

Interpretations vary. Some authorities are lenient, arguing that the restriction applies only when outdoors. Others extend it to all settings. Most agree that even sitting or lying down, one should ideally wear a kippah.

Soת how did a once-optional practice become near-obligatory? Rabbi David HaLevi Segal (the Taz), writing in the 17th century, noted that the widespread custom had effectively transformed the practice into a binding obligation.

What if a kippah isn’t available? In urgent cases, halachic texts permit placing a hand on the head before reciting a blessing. The Mishnah Berurah suggests a sleeve is preferable, as some authorities hold that the body cannot serve as its own covering.

Unusual questions arise in modern contexts. One man, a bank manager in Paris returning to Torah observant life, used a wig matching his hair as a discreet head covering. Technically, this satisfed his personal obligation to cover his head. At the same time, since it wasn't readily apparent that he was covering his head, it could mislead others, especially in formal or religious settings. 

Interestingly, the Chazon Ish rules that in formal situations where it is forbidden to wear a head covering (such as in a secular US court), it is permitted to walk around without a kippah, based on the halachic (Jewish legal) principle, "the law of the land is the law." This halachic precept takes priority over the custom of kippah.

What about making a blessing without a kippah? Ideally, a head should be covered when mentioning Hashem’s name. In difficult circumstances, placing a hand, or better, a sleeve, on the head is permitted.

A Subtle Impact

A story illustrates the kippah’s subtle impact. A bar owner in Tel Aviv, a baal teshuva who kept Shabbat and attended Torah classes, didn’t usually wear a kippah at work. One evening, returning from a class, he walked into his bar still wearing his kippah, forgetting it was on his head. Half an hour passed before he noticed in the mirror. Curious, he asked his regulars if anything seemed different. “You put on a kippah, good luck,” they shrugged. He was surprised at their indifference. For two years, he had been apprehensive about wearing a kippah at work, anxious about the potential reaction of his patrons and colleagues. Now he realized something deeper: wearing a kippah signals your values. It clarifies expectations, prevents awkwardness, and invites connection. As King David said, “I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and will not be ashamed” (Psalms 119:46). There’s no need to hide your faith.