Kippot

A Kippot is a Jewish hat/ Kippa. It also is called a yarmulke, or the better known term Yahmk from the Yiddish term. What is a Kippot really, and why are they worn? Originally they were worn as a law by the priests in biblical centuries. Then as reported in the Talmud a Rabbi and his son (Also a Rabbi) wore their Kippot everywhere. It is stated in the Talmud that they wore it every 4 cubic feet. When asked the reason why he always wore his Kippot everywhere, he replied that the divine is always watching over his head.  Thus it started to become a firm Jewish custom. You wear if for God presence is everywhere, and out of respect you don the Kippa. In the old ways it was mandatory to wear one, especially in religious practices.

Modern Kippot

Today it is not required by any mandatory law to wear a Jewish hat/Kippa. Today those who wear a Jewish hat/ Kippa mostly wear them to make a social statement, or wear them to religious functions, or all the time to show they are strong in Jewish custom. They also can be worn to show your affiliation. For example most Modern Orthodox Jews wear leather, or knitted Kippot. While those that called themselves the Yeshivah-style crowd are seen wearing black velvet, or cloth style Kippot. The Kippot wear really took off after the 6 Day War as many wore them as a symbol of being Jewish and being proud.

Size, Shape and Style

Kippot usually are small in size though some groups do wear bigger ones. They usually measure at around 5 inches in diameter with a half bowl shape, and is worn over the crown of the head. They can be made from various styles of fabric, even suede, or leather. Knitted Kippot are also quite popular, though they are crocheted not knitted. To make a Kippa squares of fabric are taken then each one is sewed together as the edges are tucked under to give it its half bowl shape. Voila you have a Jewish hat/Kippa!