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Is it true that that head covering is a custom, with no traceable roots?

  

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mbs: I do not cover my head. I have heard that head covering is a custom, with no traceable roots...perhaps only to separate us from the nations. What do you think?

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik: The head covering is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, but the Torah states that once a dress code is a Jewish custom, we must abide by it.

mbs: Where in the Torah, please?

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik: It states in the Torah: "...U'vechukoteihem lo teileichu..."-"...Do not follow their customs..." (Leviticus 18:3).

mbs: Yes sir, but Arabs cover their heads as well as other Gentiles: Popes, clergy. So please show me more...

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik: I can quote you numerous sources.

mbs: Numerous sources of other nations covering their heads... which would make such a policy for us seem to be lacking, if our purpose is to go in separate ways. Gentiles cover their heads too. They don't wear Tsitsis. So why do we cover our heads to be different from a group of persons who cover their heads, too? Please advise.

Rabbi Mendy Chitrik: The idea is to maintain integrity of identity. You are right-many other groups and peoples cover their heads. But the Jewish Kipah or Yarmulka is distinct to Jewish people, as much as the kaffiyeh is distinct to Arabs. Yes, Arabs cover their heads-but I don't think you'd confuse a kaffiyeh with a kipah!

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Is it true that a head covering a custom with no traceable roots.

Posted by: Nancy on Mar 31, 2005

The Pope along with all the cardinals wear kipahs at all times. Not that the average guy walking down the street is likely to be mistaken for the Pope because of his kipah.
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Leviticus
The third of the Five Books of Moses. This book deals with the service (of the Levite Tribe) in the Tabernacle, and contains many of the 613 commandments.
Kipah
(pl. Kipot). The head-covering worn by Jewish males. Serves as a constant reminder of the existence of a Higher Being.
Yarmulka
The head-covering worn by Jewish males. Serves as a constant reminder of the existence of a Higher Being. Also known as a Kippah.