what do jews wear on their head

Jewish men commonly wear a head covering called a kippah or yarmulke, which is a skullcap made of cloth, leather, or other materials. The custom of covering ones head is based on tradition and has taken on the force of religious law among some Jews. While most Orthodox Jewish men cover their heads at all times, Jews from non-Orthodox movements may wear a head covering only inside a synagogue, while studying Torah, or when eating. Some Jews wear a kippah under a different kind of hat. Women may also cover their hair when they are married as a sign of modesty. It is worth noting that head coverings are not the same as tefillin, which are black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls and are worn on the head and arm during prayer.