Do Reform Jews Wear Kippot?

Question: I have been noticing that more men and women are covering their heads during prayer services? I thought that Reform Jews did not wear kippot?

Answer: A kippah in Hebrew, also known as a yarmulka in Yiddish, is a headcovering. Judaism was born in the East, where covering one’s head is a sign of respect to other people and to God.  In Talmudic times the covering of one’s head was a sign of piety among Jews, but was not seen to be as much a “requirement” as it is in traditional Judaism in our day.  Although Judaism moved through the Diaspora to the West, where an uncovered head is a sign of respect - Judaism maintains the custom of head covering as a sign of respect for God.   The Rambam (also called Maimonides, 12^th century CE) explains in his work the Mishneh Torah, Hilkot De’ot that “covering the head is the Jewish way of showing reverence, and in places where non-Jews do not cover their heads, we must cover our heads as a way of identification.”

In Orthodox Judaism, men generally wear a vpf or a hat at all times.   When Reform Judaism moved to the shores of this continent, many removed their vpf attempting to connect with the American way of life while distancing themselves from more traditional practices. However, in the last few decades, many Reform Jews have returned to the custom of covering their heads for worship – and some even when studying and eating.  Given the focus on egalitarianism in Reform Judaism, more and more women are also observing the custom of wearing a head covering, as well.  

Kippot can be made from a variety of materials and patterns. In Israel, the style of vpf kippah is often seen as a reflection of one’s political or religious leanings.In North America, too, the size, style and shape often indicates the religious leanings of the wearer, but today there is a great deal of fluidity and many wear a style they simply prefer.

Wearing a kippah can be a special way to connect with God, and in our congregation we encourage, but do not require, the wearing of a vpf as a sign of respect for God and an assertion of Jewish pride.

* lama, the Hebrew word for “why”