Should Men Wear a Kippah Today?

J. I. Roe
Aug 16, 2025
3 min read

1. Historical Background: Did Men Wear a Kippah in the First Century?

In the first century, Jewish men—including Yeshua and his disciples—did not wear kippot (yarmulkes) as we know them today. The modern custom of wearing a small skullcap likely developed in the Talmudic period (3rd–5th century CE) as a mark of reverence before the presence of Elohim, especially while praying or studying Torah. It later became a halachic norm, though not a Torah command.

In Yeshua’s day:

The kippah did not exist in its current form.
Men commonly wore head coverings for practical reasons (sun, cold, etc.), but not as a religious mandate.
Tallitot (outer cloaks with tzitzit) were worn, but not typically draped over the head except in prayer or mourning.
In public worship, the head was often uncovered, reflecting common Greco-Roman cultural norms.

2. Did Yeshua Wear a Head Covering?

While we cannot say definitively whether Yeshua covered his head during prayer, it is plausible that he may have pulled his tallit over his head during moments of intense prayer (as was later done by sages). However:

This was not a constant practice.
It was not mandated by Torah.
It was likely occasional and situational—not a formal requirement.

3. What About the Apostolic Writings?

Rav Sha’ul (Paul) addresses the issue of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11:

“Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head…” (1 Corinthians 11:4)

This instruction is difficult to interpret with modern lenses. It is likely:

A cultural instruction tied to Corinthian norms (where pagan priests prayed covered).
Not a Torah command, but a minhag (custom) of the early Messianic communities.
A matter of symbolism and public witness, not a moral or ceremonial law.

Thus, while Paul’s instruction may have had relevance to Corinth, it does not universally prohibit head coverings today, especially in a Jewish or Messianic context.

4. The Spirit of the Mitzvah: Reverence Before Elohim

Although the kippah is not from Torah or the first century, it expresses an important spiritual value:

Humility: A reminder that Elohim is above us.
Reverence: A physical sign of awe and submission.
Identity: A visual connection to the Jewish people and the path of Torah.

These values are not foreign to Yeshua's teachings. Yeshua lived a life of humility, reverence, and devotion. Thus, if worn with sincere intent, a head covering today can reflect the very heart of his walk.

5. Application for Disciples Today

If the head covering:

Honors Elohim,
Keeps you mindful of Torah,
Does not mislead or confuse others,

…then it is a beautiful expression of discipleship, even if not required.

6. What Would Yeshua Do Today?

If Yeshua walked among us today:

He would uphold Torah, but not add unnecessary burdens.
He would honor Jewish traditions that lead to righteousness.
He would likely respect the custom of the kippah in synagogue or prayer, especially in solidarity with his people.

If worn with humility, not pride, Yeshua would likely approve of any garment—be it a kippah, flat cap, or tallit—that helps a disciple walk in reverence, love, and truth.

Conclusion: A Matter of Heart and Honor

Wearing a head covering is not commanded, but it is deeply meaningful. As a modern disciple of Yeshua, you are free to wear one—or not—based on conviction, not compulsion. If your intention is to honor Elohim, to walk humbly, and to follow in the steps of Yeshua, then your practice is pleasing to Adonai.