Yarmulke

Why I Usually Don’t Wear a Yarmulke / Kippah

The Kippah is an expression of the vertical metaphor about G-d. It is a sign of submission to that which is above the wearer. G-d is above; I am below. G-d is authority; I am submissive. G-d is King; I am subject. G-d is the Commander; I am obedient. G-d is Creator; I am creature. And so on. Most likely my friend who wears a yarmulke knows that those metaphors are not literally true, and I know the same thing. Nevertheless, those vertical metaphors resonate for my friend; and they do not resonate for me.

When I think of G-d, I think of a level of reality that is deep within me and all that is; also surrounding me and all that is. G-d is Life; I am alive. G-d is closer than my breath. G-d is that to which I give expression when I am being my best and most inclusive self. G-d is the Self of the Universe of which I am an expression. Rather than think of G-d as my Commander, I think of G-d as my Inspiration. This is the depth metaphor.

In my mind, as a person for whom the depth metaphor resonates, wearing a kippah adds nothing and is actually somewhat inappropriate. As a symbol, it elicits attitudes and conceptions that are unhelpful. If I wanted to place the yarmulke where its symbolism would be most appropriate for me, I would swallow it (so it would be within me), or wrap myself in it (so it would surround me), but not place it on my head.

[For more elaboration on these metaphors see writings of Arthur Green, sh’lita, for example, Seek My Face, a Jewish Mystical Theology, p. 9.]

Now, I know that the depth metaphor is, after all, a metaphor and not literally true. I am not so bound to it that I feel the need to refrain from wearing a yarmulke, in protest, when attending a traditional synagogue where the head covering is customary. I have no axe to grind and no banner to wave. When in a situation where the kippah is socially expected, I have no problem wearing it.

However, given the choice to dress in a way that expresses the beliefs that most move me, I will not wear a yarmulke or kippah. Unless, on a given day, in a certain context, it does move me and give me meaning. In that case, I will put it on.