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Rabbi Shlomo Chein: Welcome. I'll be with you in a moment...what's on your mind?
not sure: why do men have to wear a yalkmuka at all times? if one wants to be religious does it have to be worn?
not sure: if its to remind us that G-d is above, is it still needed if one is aware of that even when not wearing one?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: when we wear a reminder on our head that is not because we don't believe so inside. It is to reinforce what we believe, and turn it into an action.
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: in other words, the question would be similar: should someone wear a wedding ring even if they know they love their husband inside?
not sure: can a man be religious if he doesnt wear one?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: what is religious? it is a made up term :-)
not sure: to be religious is to keep the laws of the Torah, most importantly shabbos and Kosher
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: ok -- that is one definition of religous. A more common definiton of religious is someone who follows ALL the laws of Judaism which includes wearing a Kipah. But hey, if you are not ready to wear a kipah, don't let that stop you from eating kosher or keeping Shabbat
not sure: what i want to know is if its as important as the other laws?
not sure: when it comes to laws instituted by the rabbis, are they as important as laws from torah?
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: For most practical purposes a law from the Rabbis needs to be adhered to like a law from the Torah. After all it is the Torah that says follow the laws of the Rabbis. In certain cases a rabbinic law can be more lenient.
not sure: in the case of a yalmuka?
not sure: i wear a yalmuka, but at work and if im in a club i would take it off
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: the question is, if you really love G-d, why would take off the Yarmulka in certain places
not sure: so as not to have pl look at jews in a bad way
not sure: for example, if im at a club its not apropriate
not sure: and at work i dont want to stand out, i dont want to be judged just from wearing a yalmuka
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: if you are in a club its not appropriate?
not sure: not really, so thats why i would take off my kipah
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: are you saying that it is not appropriate for you to be there
not sure: it is not, however i enjoy it and would like to go, so I take of my kipah so pl dont know im jewish
not sure: therefore its no longer not apropriate to be there
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: aha -- so in G-d's eyes it is not appropriate. So you will put G-d (the kipah which reminds you and others that G-d does not want you there) in your pocket, and at the same time you will tell me you don't need the kipah because you love him without it?
not sure: wow, i never thought of it like that
not sure: its needed so as not to be in that situation where u would take it off
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: bingo!
not sure: :)
not sure: thank you
not sure: you really brought some clarity to me
not sure: thank you for your time
not sure: have a wonderful day!
Rabbi Shlomo Chein: my pleasure - and keep doing the right think, you bring clarity to the world
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