Kippah and Tallit   A kippah, yarmulka, or skullcap, is the traditional head covering worn by a Jewish male. We request that in the sanctuary every male, Jew and non-Jew, wear a head covering as a sign of reverence. We also encourage all women to cover their heads. Women who wish to count in the minyan or go up to the bimah to receive a ritual honor, such as an aliyah or ark opening, must wear a head covering. A tallit is a prayer shawl that resembles the style of garment worn in ancient Israel. The religious significance of the tallit lies in the fringes tied at each of its corners. They are intended to remind the wearer of all God's mitzvot (commandments) and to fulfill them. The strings and knots of each fringe combine to symbolize the 613 commandments in the Torah. Jewish men should wear a tallit during the morning service, but not during the afternoon or evening services (except on Yom Kippur and Tish'ah B'Av). A woman may wear a tallit if she chooses to do so. A woman who wishes to count in the minyan must wear a tallit. Children do not need to wear a tallit until they become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.