All religions have specific rules regarding traditional dressings. For instance, in Islam, women cover their heads with Hijabs, while in Jewish, worshipers wear a small piece of headwear. So, yamaka vs kippah, what is the name of this small Jewish headwear?
A yamaka refers to a Buddhist text and anglicized word for a Yarmulke. It also refers to a skull cap that represents piety in Judaism, worn to separate the wearer from God. In contrast, a kippah is a Hebrew word for a skull cap that men wear when praying or entering the synagogue.
Yamaka and kippah seem to be different words referring to the same thing. So, how did they come to be, and which should you use? Find out in this article.
Definitions Of Yamaka And Kippah
Yamaka and kippah are not common words that you will hear daily. However, you need not worry if this is the first time you encounter them. We conducted extensive research into these words and prepared the following definitions sections. Below are the standard definitions for yamaka and kippah, according to popular sources:
Definition Of Yamaka
Yamaka is a text of the Pali Canon found in the Theravada Buddhism scriptures. It is applied to logic and analysis found in the Abhidhamma Pikata. In simpler terms, this word refers to a Buddhist text found in the Abhidhamma Pikata.
Let’s look at an example in the sentence: “The Yamaka is one of the best Buddhist texts I read during my baptism classes.”
Another definition of yamaka is “an anglicized word for Yarmulke.” A yarmulke is a Yiddish term for a kippah; a traditional headpiece worn by Jewish men during prayers or when entering the synagogue.
An example sentence is, “I heard my Jewish friends talk about a yamaka last night and decided to look up what it was.”
Definition Of Kippah
A kippah is a brimless head covering that Jewish men wear to comply with head coverage rituals. Traditionally, a kippah featured velvet fabric. For example, in a sentence, “Modern kippahs come in various designs and materials.”
Other sources refer to a kippa as a traditional headpiece that males use to cover their heads when praying, reading the Torah, uttering consecrations, or entering the temple.
It signifies reverence for God and acknowledges that humans are not equal to God. An example of this term in a sentence: “Modern Jews allow women to wear a kippah.”
How To Properly Use Yamaka And Kippah In A Sentence
You do not have to be part of the Jewish community to understand these words and how you should use them. For this reason, we prepared the information below.
How To Use The Word Yamaka
Yamaka is considered a misspelling or pronunciation of “yarmulke.” Therefore, you should not use this word in a sentence when referring to a small Jewish headwear.
Instead, this word refers to a Buddhist text containing the rules of dos and don’ts during the sabbath day. For example, in a sentence, “The content in the yamaka does not make sense in the modern world.”
The word “yamaka” has three syllables “ya-ma-ka.” According to reliable sources, this word mispronounces “yarmulke.” This implies that people pronounce “yarmulke” as “/yamaka/” hence the word’s origin. However, the clear origin of the word “yamaka” is currently still unclear. Regardless, when using this word in a sentence, you should pronounce it as “/ya-ma-kah/.”
How To Use The Word Kippah
Use this word when referring to the small piece of headwear that Jewish men wear when entering the temple or during prayers (yarmulke or skullcap). For example, “John started wearing the kippah after his Bartmixpha.”
The plural for a kippah is “kippot.” An example sentence is, “We wear kippot during sermons or when studying the Torah.”
The correct spelling for “kippah” is “/kipa/.” This word has two syllables, but you pronounce it as a one-syllable word when you say it. Noting the word’s correct spelling will come in handy when using this word in conversations.
Yamaka Vs Kippah; More Things About These Words
Yamaka and kippah are ” Jewish headwear that men usually wear to show respect to God and their religion.”
Some dictionaries refer to yamaka as an alternative translation for a yarmulke. However, most popular definition sources consider it a misspelling. Therefore, you may benefit from not using this word in your writing.
The Yiddish word for a kippah is “yarmulke,” which comes from the word “yamaka. However, some sources refer to Yamaka as a misspelling of a mispronunciation of the word “yarmulke.” This is primarily because Yama is neither a Jewish nor Yiddish word. Instead, it is a Buddhist text or scripture.
In contrast, the word “kippah” stems from the Hebrew language. The first recorded use of the word “kippah” was in the 24-chapter Tractate Shabbat. This is one of the 12 books in the Moed Order. These books talk about activities forbidden on the Sabbath day.
According to this source, the definition of this word has not changed. The Tractate Shabbat refers to the word as a headpiece worn as a sign of respect and reverence to God.
Traditional sources refer to a kippah as a yarmulke. For instance, the Bible (1st Corinthians 11:7) mentions the yarmulke (alternate word for kippah and yamaka) as a must-wear headpiece even when sleeping.
Men usually wear the kippah. However, even women wear the kippah in some conservative or reform circles. Today, the yamaka or kippah represents reverence to God or the wearer’s religious identity, sect, or political learning.
It is worth mentioning that not all Jews cover their heads during prayers or when entering the synagogue with a kippah or yamaka. So, it is not a universal practice among Jews.
Word Comparison Posts
List Of Examples Of Yamaka And Kippah Use In Sentences
While these words have Jewish and Yiddish origins, you can still use them in English sentences. The limited application is because they do not have English translations. Here are a few examples of these words in sentences:
Example sentences of the word yamaka
- The yamaka is one of the most complicated Buddhist texts I studied with my brothers.
- The origin of the word “yamaka” is still unclear, even to Jews.
- Another name for a yamaka is a kippah or yarmulke.
- Women do not wear a yamaka, even when saying prayers or declaring blessings.
- I still do not understand whether a yamaka is a kippah or a Buddhist text.
Example sentences of the word kippah
- A kippah is a traditional Jewish headwear worn to show reverence and respect for God.
- My roommate never leaves the house without his kippah.
- Joyce is the first Jewish female I have seen wearing a kippah.
- Traditionalist Jews do not allow women to wear the kippah.
- Jonah is such a proud Jew that he never takes off his kippah, even when sleeping.
Conclusion
When it comes to religious terms, people often steer clear of them because of the politics and confusion around them. However, as complex as they may seem, “yamaka” and “kippah” are pretty simple terms. Some sources claim that yamaka is the alternative name for a kippah. However, many sources claim it is not a word and has no meaning.
Instead, it is the title of Buddhist scripture. Therefore, it is safe to say that the correct word is kippah, not yamaka. Now that you know this, the next time you see someone wearing this headwear, you will not refer to it as “that small Jewish headcap.” Let us know your thoughts on this post and how you plan to use the words.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.