Reconstructionist Judaism

The Reconstructionist Movement is a twentieth-century reaction from within the Conservative movement.  It generally accepts the conclusions of philosopher Mordechai Kaplan as its axioms.  It rejects the concept of a deity, and regards Judaism as ‘an evolving civilization’; whereas Reform regards Judaism as ‘a religion’ in the Western sense, and whereas Orthodox communities and the Conservative Movement see Judaism as ‘a people’ who happen to be bound by a specific covenant with God.

These philosophies differ over how a mitzvah becomes a mitzvah, and conversely what makes any behavior a transgression.   Reform theology regards each individual Jew as the sole arbiter of what Jewish tradition demands of them.   Orthodox and Conservative theologies regard the community’s rabbi as the authority.  Reconstructionism regards the local Jewish community as the arbiter of what is (or is not) a mitzvah.  But Reconstructionism does require the community to reach certain conclusions.  For example, identical roles for men and women is a fundamental tenet of Reconstructionism.  It was this movement that first introduced the public Bat Mitzvah celebration.

The Kipa

A kipa (KEE-pah) is a head covering.   The plural is kipot (kee-POT, rhymes with "boat").   In Yiddish it is called a yarmulka (YAH-mih-kuh; note that the pronounciation does not resemble the English spelling).   They are available in many different sizes, shapes, materials, colors, and patterns.

A covered head was the mark of a servant in ancient times.   So wearing a kipa can signify that you are taking upon yourself the role of a servant, dedicating your Self to something beyond your own self; or it can just be a ritualistic way to remain conscious of all the associated values and behaviors; or it can just be an act of solidarity, belonging, and participation; or it can be just politeness, like removing your shoes when going into a Japanese friend's home.

These different levels of meaning can also be applied to the act of reciting prayers, or participating in any other aspect of Jewish ritual.   Plenty of synagogue attendees are there primarily to support a tradition, or as a courtesy to family, or to get a warm sense of identification, or for the musical tradition, and so on.

Note that the Jewish tradition of covering one's head as a sign of modesty and respect for higher authority is different from Christian tradition, wherein one removes one's hat as a sign of respect.

When you enter most synagogues, there will be bins filled with kipot.   The men will put one on.   (In orthodox communities, men wear them all the time, not just in synagogue.)   Sometimes you may find an inscription on the inside of a kipa, commemorating someone's wedding or attainment of Bar/Bat Mitzvah status.

There may also be a bin or tabletop with bobby pins and lacy head coverings.   These are for women to pin on their hair as an alternative to a hat.   Traditionally, married women cover their heads, unmarried don't.   In many synagogues, any choice women make will be fine.

In many Reform temples, and in some Conservative synagogues, both men and women will wear the same kipot.   In the most extremely non-traditional Reform temples, there may be no kipot at all.   Be alert to local custom.

Non-Jews are expected to wear head coverings as per local Jewish custom.   It need not be a kipa; a hat is fine.

There is no ritual or blessing associated with donning a head covering; you just put it on.   Head coverings are a tradition, not an explicit Torah Law (Biblical Commandment).   They are not removed when going to the bathroom.