Jewish men wear yarmulkes (also called kippahs) as a sign of reverence and recognition that there is a higher power above them watching over their actions. The tradition is not derived from the Torah but developed as a custom during the Rabbinic period to symbolize humility and fear of God. Wearing the kippah serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and instills a sense of spiritual awareness. While it was originally limited to men of great stature, over time it became customary for all Jewish men, especially in Orthodox communities, to wear a kippah at all times, and particularly during prayer. Different Jewish denominations observe the practice with some variations, and in Reform Judaism, it is sometimes optional or adopted as a matter of personal religious choice. The kippah has also become a cultural symbol of Jewish identity and can express personal or communal affiliation.
