Yamaka vs. Kippah — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 14, 2023
Yamaka and Kippah both refer to the small skullcap worn by Jewish men as a sign of religious devotion and respect for God. The terms are used interchangeably, but "Kippah" is Hebrew, while "Yamaka" is Yiddish.
Difference Between Yamaka and Kippah
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Key Differences
Yamaka is a term originating from Yiddish and is commonly used, especially among Ashkenazi Jews, to refer to the small skullcap worn during prayer or while participating in a religious ceremony. Kippah is the Hebrew term for the same object. Both words describe the same religious garment, which signifies a devout relationship with God and a constant awareness of the divine.
The words Yamaka and Kippah may differ in their etymological roots but serve identical functions in Jewish practice. While wearing either, the person is making a public declaration of their Jewish faith and adherence to religious traditions. The choice between the terms often depends on the cultural or linguistic background of the speaker.
From a grammatical standpoint, both words are nouns. Kippah is often seen in religious texts or scholarly writings about Judaism. Yamaka, on the other hand, is more commonly found in colloquial speech, particularly among Ashkenazi communities. Both words can also be pluralized—Kippot for Kippah and Yamakas for Yamaka.
Yamaka and Kippah are both items of deep significance in Judaism, and choosing one term over the other is generally a matter of personal or communal preference. However, it’s essential to note that both terms are correct and accepted, highlighting the same core principle of Jewish faith and devotion.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Yiddish
Hebrew
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Common Usage
Especially among Ashkenazi Jews
More universally within Judaism
Grammatical Category
Noun
Noun
Plural Form
Yamakas
Kippot
Context
More common in colloquial speech
Often found in religious texts
Compare with Definitions
Yamaka
Common among Ashkenazi Jews.
In his Ashkenazi community, the term Yamaka is often used.
Kippah
A Hebrew term for a Jewish skullcap.
He donned a Kippah for the religious ceremony.
Yamaka
A Yiddish term for a Jewish skullcap.
He wore a Yamaka during the synagogue service.
Kippah
Universally accepted within Judaism.
The term Kippah is recognized in all Jewish communities.
Yamaka
Can be pluralized as "Yamakas."
The store sells a variety of Yamakas in different colors.
Kippah
Can be pluralized as "Kippot."
They purchased several Kippot for the upcoming holiday.
Yamaka
Worn during prayer or religious ceremonies.
He puts on his Yamaka before reciting prayers.
Kippah
Symbolizes a constant awareness of God.
Wearing a Kippah is an act of piety.
Yamaka
A religious garment signifying devotion.
His Yamaka is a visible sign of his faith.
Kippah
Used particularly in religious and scholarly contexts.
The Kippah is often discussed in religious literature.
Yamaka
The Yamaka (यमक; Pali for "pairs") is a text of the Pali Canon, the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. It is a text on applied logic and analysis included in the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Kippah
A kippah (, ; also spelled as kippa, kipa, kipah; Hebrew: כִּיפָּה, plural: Hebrew: כִּיפּוֹת kippot; Yiddish: קאפל koppel), or yarmulke (, pronunciation , Yiddish: יאַרמלקע), is a brimless cap, usually made of cloth, traditionally worn by Jewish males to fulfill the customary requirement that the head be covered. It is worn by men in Orthodox communities at all times.
Kippah
The cloth skullcap or yarmulke traditionally worn by male Jews.
Common Curiosities
Is Kippah Yiddish or Hebrew?
Kippah is a Hebrew term.
Are Yamaka and Kippah the same?
Yes, they refer to the same religious garment.
When is a Yamaka worn?
Typically during prayer, religious ceremonies, or continuously by some.
What is a Kippah?
A Kippah is the Hebrew term for the same kind of skullcap.
Is Yamaka Yiddish or Hebrew?
Yamaka is a Yiddish term.
How do you pluralize Yamaka?
The plural form is "Yamakas."
Who commonly uses the term Kippah?
The term is more universally accepted within Judaism.
What does wearing a Yamaka signify?
It signifies religious devotion and awareness of God.
Who commonly uses the term Yamaka?
It is particularly common among Ashkenazi Jews.
What does wearing a Kippah signify?
Similar to a Yamaka, it signifies a devout relationship with God.
What is a Yamaka?
A Yamaka is a small skullcap worn by Jewish men for religious reasons.
When is a Kippah worn?
Similar to a Yamaka, during prayer, religious events, or continuously.
How do you pluralize Kippah?
The plural form is "Kippot."
Can women wear a Yamaka or Kippah?
Traditionally worn by men, some progressive Jewish communities allow women to wear them.
Is it compulsory to wear a Yamaka or Kippah?
The obligation varies among different Jewish communities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
