Q&A: Head Covering
Head Covering
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I was born into a secular family, and over time I became religious in a gradual way, after examining and investigating each and every commandment. If something seemed to me to lack a source, I simply didn’t accept it—for example, legumes on Passover.
That is why I do not wear a kippah, including during prayer / a blessing / Torah study.
People criticize me for this, and I tell them that there is simply no reason to cover one’s head, so why should I do it?
What do you think?
Thank you,
Arnon
Answer
Hello Arnon. In Jewish law, customs also have standing. Therefore, even if head covering is a custom, it is still binding. And at the time of prayer or reciting the Shema, some maintain that it is actually a full legal requirement.