What is a Kippah/Yarmulke?
A kippah (or yarmulke) is universally recognized as a head covering worn by Jewish men.
In Orthodox communities, it is worn at all times - even beneath other hats. In non-Orthodox communities, it kippot (plural of kippah) are generally worn during prayer, while attending a synagogue, or in other Jewish rituals (such as a bar or bat mitzah or a funeral).
Why wear a head covering?
The Talmud (the primary source of Jewish religious law) states: "Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you." In fact, a prominent and well-known rabbi was known to have never walked "4 cubits" (6.6 feet, or 2 meters) with his head uncovered because "the Divine Presence was always over his head." In short, wearing a kippah is considered to be another way to honor God.
In some places - particularly Israel - the material by which the kippah is made of can help differentiate between different Jewish sects. There is some debate as to at what age a kippah should start to be worn, but in most Orthodox communities, the tradition is started at a young age (often around age 3) in order to ingrain the habit early on.
Our purpose in sharing these tidbits is not to imply that these traditions have to be followed by believers in Jesus/Messianic Jews, but in order to help others better learn about and understand their Jewish neighbors and friends so that they can better build bridges and connections with them.