Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide

Kipot
A kipah, also known in Yiddish as a yarmulke, is a head covering traditionally worn by
Jewish males. Wearing a kipah is a Jewish way of showing reverence and respect to God,
as well as distinguishing ourselves from non-Jews. The custom of wearing a head
covering is thousands of years old, although there is no Biblical commandment to do so
at all times. According to the Shulchan Aruch, a code of Jewish law, men are required to
cover their heads and should not walk more than four cubits without a hat. According to
Isaac Klein in A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice, a Conservative guide to halachah,
our practice should be:
a. cover the head when in the sanctuary
b. cover the head when praying, studying, or reading sacred literature
c. cover the head when performing a ritual
d. cover the head when eating; eating is preceded and followed by benedictions
Although traditionally men have worn kipot (the plural of kipah), in recent times women
in the Conservative and Reform movements also have adopted the practice.
There are no laws about children wearing a kipah or covering their heads. Nevertheless,
children can begin to become familiar with Jewish garb and the connection between
themselves, prayer time, eating, and God by wearing kipot. Logical times for children to
don kipot (if they are not required to wear them all the time) are at snack and mealtimes,
during visits to the sanctuary, and other prayer times. Rules or customs in an early
childhood setting should be determined through discussion with the director, teachers, the
rabbi, and possibly the parents. Customs and rules about head coverings should be a
school wide affair, not determined classroom by classroom.
Some questions to consider include:
1. What are the customs regarding kipot in the synagogue community?
2. Do women wear kipot, or only men?
3. When and where are men required to wear kipot?
4. When and where are women required to cover their heads?
5. When do people in this community wear kipot – all the time or just during tefillah?
6. What do we hope children will learn by wearing kipot?
7. When does it make sense for children to wear kipot?
8. Will boys be required to wear kipot at these times or just encouraged?
9. Will girls be required to wear kipot at these times or just encouraged?
10. How will parents react to their children wearing kipot?
11. How will we educate and invest parents in our kipah policies or customs?
12. Will teachers serve as role models as kipah wearers or head coverers?
Vision for Conservative Early Childhood Programs: A Journey Guide
USCJ Department of Education
Maxine Handelman
Handelman@uscj.org
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