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By Daniel Eric Minkow, 1st Lt USAF
Can a Jew wear a Kippah while in military uniform?
I came upon this very important question and its answer, this article, when USAF Capt Rebecca Minkow, my sister, posed the question to me. As the Jewish Lay leader for Travis Air Force Base, I felt it was important for me to find the answer to this question so I contacted the wing Chaplain, who forwarded me the DoD Directive Number 1300.17 (Accommodation of Religious Practices Within the Military Services) which includes guidance on the wear of religious headgear in uniform. The Directive is very brief (6 pages) and signed by the Deputy Secretary of Defense. I found the directive very empowering because of its strong support for a wide range of religious observances. I had originally felt that the military frowned upon certain types of religious observances that were outside the “norm” or standard. However, the directive starts out with the following statement.
“3.1 A basic principle of our nation is the free exercise of religion. The Department of Defense places a high value on rights of member of the Armed Forces to observe the tenets of their respective religions. It is DoD policy that request for accommodation of religious practices should be approved by commanders when accommodation will not have adverse impact on military readiness, unit cohesion, standards or discipline”
From here you can see that the military actually encourages commanders to go out of their way to accommodate different religious obligations and practices. The Directive addresses worship services, holy days as well as the wear of other religious articles (including items like Tzitzit (talit katan)). For it states:
“3.2.6. Religious items or articles not visible or otherwise apparent may be warn with the uniform, provided they shall not interfere with the performance of the members military duties…”
I like to consider the talit katan (small four cornered garment with fringes worn underneath the shirt) as part of a “Jewish Uniform” namely as the all important Jewish spiritual Kevlar, protecting the wearer from a wide range of day to day hazards.
This is, of course all good news, but what does this directive say about wearing a Kippah while in uniform? The directive continues on to explain that any “visible items of religious apparel while in uniform must be neat and conservative”. So what does that mean?
Continued...
3.2.7.2. In the context of the wearing of a military uniform, “neat and conservative” items of religious apparel are those that :
3.2.7.2.1. Are discreet, tidy, and not dissonant or showy in style, size, design, brightness, or color.
3.2.7.2.2. Do not replace or interfere with the proper wearing of any authorized article of the uniform.
The directive even gives an example and says:
“A Jewish yarmulke may be worn with the uniform whenever a military cap, hat, or other headgear is not prescribed. A yarmulke may also be worn underneath military headgear as long as it does not interfere with the proper wearing, functioning, or appearance of the prescribed head gear.”
Exceptions to the wearing of a kippah in uniform are logical. It says that a kippah may not be worn when it interferes with safety health or interferes with the operation of equipment for example, gasmasks. Also, the final word is up to each military department however, any denials must be sent up to each services Headquarters. So they are saying that the military better have a very good reason when denying the wear of kippah.
The specific Air Force guidance is AFI36-2903 page 95 and states on “Religious head coverings: Indoors: Installation Commander and chaplain may approve plain, dark blue, or black religious head coverings”
Finally, the instruction describes the approval process and proper routing.
We now know that it is, in fact, possible to wear a kippah in uniform. This leaves us with a different dilemma. Why aren’t we?
I have to be upfront and say I currently do not wear Kippah in Uniform unless at a religious event. I am struggling with this idea which is why I chose to write about it. Maybe it has something to do with working up to my courage and kavanah (intention) or honestly, I might not be ready (yet). Because no matter how much I would want to down play it I would be making a huge statement. I would be making a very public statement about my personal identity and religious observance. However, when I see someone from a different culture or religion wearing a required or traditional dress, I do admire their courage and ability to disregard what others think. I, in turn, like to think that any statement I might make could also be interpreted with the same courage, pride, trust, observance, and affiliation.
Many people may feel that they are not ready or that they don’t want to stand out in the military, and I assure you that I share this concern. It is possible that it could draw unwanted attention. As noted on Aish.com, “(the Kippah) is perhaps the most instantly identifiable mark of a Jew. In the Western world, it is customary to remove one’s head covering when meeting an important person. In Judaism, putting on a head covering is a sign of respect.” I wouldn’t want people to first meet me and only see a kippah. I wouldn’t want to be known as that guy with the beanie, but instead someone with a strong sense and awe of God.
Wearing a kippah is an essential part of the Jewish Uniform, but to wear it while also in the uniform of the United States Military? Wearing of any uniform is an important part of understanding the ideology behind it. Wearing a uniform of the US armed forces says that you stand for the ideals of the constitution and gave an oath (something Jews don’t take lightly) to defend. The way I look at it is, the reason I wear my military uniform is ensuring our rights to practice being Jewish. I lace up my combat boots every morning so I can don my teffilin and I put on my BDU uniform so I can wear my kippah. There is a direct correlation between the ‘Jewish uniform’ and the military uniform. In fact, it was the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, Louis Brandeis, who said “to be good Americans we must be better Jews”. Along this line of thinking, wearing a kippah is a very American thing to do!
Maybe it leaves us asking ourselves, are we good enough Jews to represent our people in the military or in public? It is a great Mitzvah to be a Kiddush Hashem or to sanctify God’s name. We do this when we do good works that others notice and relate back to the Jewish people and their faith, and it can be noted that “blessed be the God of the Jews”. There are not many Jews in the military, even in the country. I have even met people who have told me I was the first Jew they have ever known! This is certainly a huge responsibility to be the representative of an entire people and culture as it related to the non-Jewish world. It is possible that someone I meet may base their entire opinion the Jewish faith and people, based solely on my actions.
So why do Jews wear a head covering to begin with? Well one of the only references in the Talmud about Kippah or head covering is hinted at in the blessing we say every morning, thanking God for “crowning Israel with splendor” (Talmud - Brachot 60b). Also, the “Talmud says that the purpose of wearing a kippah is to remind us of God, who is the Higher Authority “above us” (Kiddushin 31a). External actions create internal awareness; wearing a symbolic, tangible “something above us” reinforces that idea that God is always watching. The kippah is a means to draw out one’s inner sense of respect for God.” (Aish.com)
In conclusion, I have come to believe that the Kippah, along with the talit katan, are part of the Jewish Uniform that should be worn proudly and honorably just like the uniform of the armed forces. I’m not saying that everyone must wear kippah, but at least maybe struggle with the idea of wearing it. This quandary forces us to ask ourselves, who are we really? What is our identity as Americans, soldiers, and Jews? In the mean time it might be best to strive to be a good person follow and do other mitzvot first and then consider wearing a kippah. I may not have come to a solution in my struggle of whether “to kippah or not to kippah”, but maybe you can help or maybe I have helped you?
For further information, I highly recommend the articles about Kippah on Aish.com, referenced below.
References:
- AFI36-2903
- DoD Directive Number 1300.17 (Accommodation of Religious Practices within the Military Services)
- “The Kippah Quandary” by Ross Hirschmann
- “The Kippah Debate” by Richard Rabkin
- “Kippah A Blessing On Your Head” by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
The camouflage yarmulkes that we supply the DoD (via their website http://www.chaplainscorner.com) are made out of ‘real’ US military fabric, no cheap imitations!!
Woodland BDU Camouflage: NSN 9925-01-465-9326
Day Desert Camouflage: NSN 9925-01-490-5181
They are quite popular, as we send them worldwide by the dozens.
For black and white yarmulkes:
Black: NSN 9925-01-465-9312
White: NSN 9925-01-465-9324
Go USA!
Dee
I’m not a lawyer. How do the Air Force regs square with the Supreme Court decision in Goldman v. Weinberger (1986)?
(http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/court/gold_v_wein.html)
Facts of the Case:
Goldman was an officer in the U.S. Air Force and served as a clinical psychologist at a base’s mental health clinic. He was an Orthodox Jew and ordained rabbi. Military regulations prohibited him from wearing his yarmulke indoors because headgear could not be worn inside “except by armed security police in the performance of their duties.” While outdoors, Goldman wore his yarmulke underneath his service cap, but was warned that he would face disciplinary action if he was caught wearing his yarmulke inside.
Decision:
The Supreme Court upheld the military provision by a 5-4 vote.
Majority Opinion: (Justice Rehnquist)
The Court asserts that deference should be given to the professional judgment of military authorities. These officials are not constitutionally required to abandon their professional judgment. The military is a “specialized society separate from civilian society” and “to accomplish its mission the military must foster instinctive obedience, unity, commitment, and esprit de corps.” Rather than give priority to their own beliefs, individuals in the military are to subordinate their own desires to the needs of the service. One of the ways the military creates this cohesiveness is by requiring servicemen to maintain uniform visibility. The First Amendment does not require the military to accommodate all religious views, nor does it preclude the uniform regulation.
Significance:
The objectives of the military allow it to restrict the religious rights of individuals in the interest of cohesiveness. The Court did not endeavor to assess the military’s claims concerning the importance of regulating the appearance of its members. The military is left to make the final decision of whether such regulations are necessary.
I happen to be a woman in the military and made a personal committment to wear a small, black Kippah with my uniform on a daily basis. I am also a daily wearer outstide of my uniform. I do this for several reasons. One of the most significant is that while serving as the Lay Leader for basic trainees for nearly three years, I have come to realize that many young Jewish men and women have a tendency to hide their “Jewishness” out of fear of being “singled out,” “ridiculed,” etc. Also, some have expressed a similar concern as LT Minkow: not ready to serve as a representative of the Jewish nation or people. My desire is to express my reverence for Hashem and to express my Jewish pride openly. This has never caused any undue attention that I could not handle. I am often asked to clarify or express my opinion with regard to Torah, Moshiach, Mitvot, etc. I welcome these interactions. As a matter of fact, the small PX located in our hospital has come to be known as my “little Synagogue” as this is usually where the discussions take place. People have come to know that I welcome these discussions and have become very comfortable in approaching me. I have also had fellow employees ask me where my Kippah was when they could not readily see it on top of my head when I wore it a little further back on my crown. Of course, they were relieved to discover I had it on. One of my colleagues (a devout Catholic) commented that he was very appreciative of the “aire of utmost respect for G-d” that I brought to the hospital environment. Others have said that they love that I not only study Torah, bring it to life daily. The trainees have come to know and see that I wear my Kippah both in and out of uniform and I can see their Jewish pride blossoming in the content of their conversations about how they freely answer questions about Jewish faith and tradition of fellow trainees when back in their quarters. Many also ask me for a copy of DODD 1300.17 so they can request permission for wear upon arriving at their duty stations. This is the whole point of being “lights and priests unto the nations of the world.” To attract attention because of our difference and to engage the world in D’var Torah because of it. My fellow military men and women...don’t be afraid to express your uniqueness. Be proud of your military service as a Jew and instill pride and understanding in others around you --- Barrrrrchuah!.
The article says that tzitzis are allowed and that they are part of the Jewish uniform. As an orthodox jew i completely agree but I wanted to share the following tidbit:
My friend served in the Israeli Army in the Hesder unit (religious unit). The Iraeli army makes tzitzis with a green beged so it will comflouge but while in the army my religious friend didn’t wear his tzitzis out on a mission becuase if he was trying to camoflouge and in moving around on of his tzitzin (strings) fell out it could have made him easily visible to the enemy.
The point of mitzvos is to live by them, not to die by them.
Not that you shouldn’t wear tzitzis but they aren’t necissary in battle if they could get you killed.
We have, upon the request of a Jewish soldier, converted his brown army t-shirt into a tzitzit and added fringes. He was in a very hot area and didn’t want to wear an additional layer of clothing. By opening up the side seams, we had a 4 cornered article of clothing and put titzit on the corners.
Although t-shirt fabric tzitzit is available, at this time it’s only in white. If anyone feels that a camouflage fabric t-shirt tzitzit would be a good item, we would look into it.
Let me know,
Dee
Jewish Ecclisiastical Prime Vendor for the DoD
This has been an internal controversy for me, too.
I read the AFI a few months ago out of curiousity and was surprised to see that wearing a kippah in uniform is authorized. I wear a kippah at home, but now I don’t have an easy excuse not to wear it at work. My wife brings it up occasionally, but like Lt Minkow, I just don’t feel ready.
I’m glad I’m not the only Jewish serviceperson wrestling with the idea.
When I was active duty in 1994-1999, I made the move from Reform to observant Judaism. The problem was, even knowing the regs at the time permitted wearing a yarmulke, the constant “what’s that on your head, soldier?” proved to be quite aggravating. I also didn’t shape and shave my beret with my yarmulke on, so I’d have an unsightly bulge, not so bad with the black beret now, but bad with the maroon beret. On the other hand, the right yarmulke, particularly a black or navy suede or velvet one, makes a nice cushion for the kevlar helmet. Regretfully, I opted to save it for ritual use. That, and I always thought the camoflauge yarmulke offered was kind of dorky and slightly pointy, sort of like bulk for a bar mitzvah or wedding held at a hunting camp. No way to demonstrate commitment and solidarity with klal yisrael in uniform. I’m of course kidding. The WWII vets at shul rightly point out that they weren’t allowed yarmulkes, let alone camoflauge ones.
11 years later and a PA Guardsman (and a leg) instead of a paratrooper, and no longer a neophyte with regards to the miztvos, I have the confidence to wear a yarmulke without apology. I always hope that more Jews in the service do, regardless of observance levels, if for no other reason for ease of making a minyan.
What does concern me more is that the rules seem a little vague for the wear of a tallit katan. While wearing a yarmulke is not a mitzvah, wearing tzitzit is, and I’m not clear on whether it’s permissable or not. Clearly, the fringes spilling out from under BDUs would be a no-go, in garrison or in the field, but since in many Diaspora communities, the LOR allows for them to be tucked in, could one do it?
Now, if only Shabbos candles didn’t violate light discipline…
B"H
Actually, you can now get green, t-shirt fabric tzitzis by Neatzit. But, a camouflage, t-shirt fabric tallis koton would be a great item to add to DLA.
Regarding wearing tzitzis in uniform, you can definitely wear them. I do every day! You’re correct however, the tzitzis can’t be protruding, at least not in the Army. The Uniform Reg in the Army says religious articles of clothing must be “subdued”. If one insists on wearing the tzitzis hanging outside, in the BDU uniform all you have to do is don’t let them hang too long since you are wearing the blouse. Alternatively, you could wrap them around your belt as I’ve seen some civilians do.
You’ve all got me curious…
Are people wearing a talit katan with tzitzit under flight suits? What do you do about your tzitzit hanging down inside the legs of the suit?
Just asking...would like to hear some input. (Chaplain Schwab? Anyone?)
May G-d keep you all safe, and bless you with success in your service.
(Rabbi) Mordechai Y. Scher
Combat Medic 09 (IDF), NREMT-P, MICP, PNICP
Flight Paramedic-Med Flight Air Ambulance, ABQ, NM
Training Officer/Paramedic-PVAS, Pecos, NM
Atalaya Search and Rescue, Santa Fe, NM
Mountain Canine Corps SAR, Los Alamos, NM
B"H
I’m not sure what the problem is with the tzitzis hanging down inside one’s legs. That’s how I wear mine in uniform. Sepharadi Jews wear their tzitzis tucked in as well. Is there a reason why that is a problem with the flight suit specifically?
Well, I believe the problem is one of ‘preference’ rather than halacha; though that preference may be very important to some.
When I was a young IDF soldier, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu told me to be very careful about the proper respect for tzitzit. This included trying to keep them out of one’s crotch, and off the thigh if possible. It wasn’t a problem most of the time, as even tucked in, the waistband and belt of my pants *mostly* kept them around my waist area. We didn’t wear flight suits or tanker’s nomex much outside of training, because on operations we were out of vehicles nearly the whole time.
In any case, when my tzitzit did fall down a pants leg I found it very annoying. That alone is a reason for my question. I suppose I could just ask my chevruta/study partner, Rabbi York in Silver Spring. He lived in tanks his entire IDF service. Now that I’m in a flight suit for 24 hours at a time, I’m finding this annoying/inconvenient, hence the question.
I *do not* mean to imply that anyone needs to take this as a matter of halacha, or an issue that they need be concerned with. But I imagine someone has the same sense of annoyance (word?) as me, and maybe has a good solution. :-)
Blessings to you all! May Hashem keep you and your comrades safe, and grant you success in your missions.
mordechai
Re: Michael Zelenetz’s comment about not wearing tzitzit out on a mission.
On operations, I never wore them out. Didn’t really think about the camouflage issue; but if they dragged in the dirt it wasn’t respectful, and if they hung up on something (very likely) it could slow me down and endanger me.
Similarly, I don’t wear them out now on SAR missions; they’re too likely to get caught on something. Also, the cotton or wool beged I use absorbs way too much persperation, so on winter missions I may not wear them at all.
As stated, the sages taught us that mitzvot are to live by, not to die by…
May Hashem bless you all!
As the Jewish Prime Vendor, I am really interested in this discussion. We will have met with the Chief Chaplain in June of 2005 and he was very receptive to Jewish issues and needs. We will probably be adding some more Yarmulke (with the new ACU fabric and the digital camouflage fabric).
Tzitzit and the like can be requested to be added to the list of Jewish items available. Try contacting your Chaplain or Supply personnel and ask for them. If there is any way to contact the DSCP to put in a request, then do it. The more requests and questions about a product, the more quickly they will look into the situation and they might add the product to be available any Jewish soldier interested in them. (Portable Sukkot recieved lots of questions/requests and is now a part of Jewish religious supplies)
Addresses of the Jewish Ecclisiastical Dept at the DSCP is:
DSCP
Maryann Bonk
700 Robbins Avenue
Bldg 6-D
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Dee
PS. I think that your voice would be the ‘loudest’ and best recieved by contacting DSCP, however, I don’t know Military procedures and chain of command/supply, so if this is detrimental, don’t do it.
Dee
B"H
Dee,
I went to the Chaplains Corner at DSCP but did not find a portable sukkah. Where do I find this?
Chaplain Schwab,
I went to http://www.esroghq.com and ordered my sukkah and lulav & etrog through there. They have tons of sukkot, including portable ones.
You can technically order it anywhere, but the best is via the supply system from the military. All prices include shipping (which can be costly being that it’s an oversized package.)
Portable Sukkah & Schach: 40” x 40” x 6.56’H
NSN 9925-01-532-0686
Portable Sukkah & Schach: 7.2’W x 7.2’L x 6.56’ H”:
NSN 9925-01-532-0686
Contact Maryann Bonk at the DSCP:
DSN: 444-3192
Tel: 215-737-3192
Email:
For product details and pictures go to: http://www.shop.store.yahoo.com/judaicatreasures/foldngosukkah.html
I went to the website that Lt. Freidman suggested, but didn’t find the module we carry, and the sizes we offer.
We also offer Four Species:
NSN: 9925-01-448-9309
Dee
I’m an A1C in the US Air Force and recently applied for and got what the DOD calls a “Religious Apparel Waiver”. When I first applied practically no one, except for the Wing Chaplain, had any idea what I was talking about. Now I’m the only person on base who wears a kippah. Yes it does draw attention to you, but the only attention I’ve recieved for the most part is questions like “Are you jewish?” or the most popular question “How does it stay on?” heh! The greatest thing about wearing it though is there have been a few opportunities to explain to some curious people about Torah and the jewish people. I never lacked the courage to wear a kippah in uniform. Just be proud and have faith and everything else will be fine. The next thing I’m trying to do is wear tzitzit in uniform. I think I’ll look into some camouflage ones.
OK...In so far as Kippah wear is concerned...Army is represented by this woman and Air Force by the A1C. Here’s a personal challenge from me to all services: Dawn your kippot! I’d love to see more people in uniform represent! For those of you who refuse to/can’t engage in daily wear, watch this website as well as http://www.thejewishsoldier.com for an upcoming “Dawn Your Kippah Day.” That would be awesome!
LTC Seidman (currently 2nd Brigade chaplain for 28th Infantry Division) and myself are consistently in our kippot, keeping it real for the PA National Guard. Interestingly, a lot of my fellow soldiers live or work near Empire Kosher’s central Pennsylvania facility, so they’re familiar at least by visual recognition with our religious affectations.
For the A1C, I’ve found no difficulty with wearing a tallit katan with either my ACUs or my dress uniform. I believe there are piskei that allow you to keep the tzitzit tucked in your duty or dress uniform. Consult your rabbi, right? As a grunt, I’d find it marvelous if a moisture-wicking tallit katan were available, sort of like spiritual Underarmor, if you will.
For those that are interested in authentic camouflage kippot to match your uniform and can’t get it through the DLA--we are the manufacturers and you can buy them directly through us (albeit for a higher price). We also make a Kosher camouflage Tallit and matching Tallit/Tefillin Bags.
We currently have: ACU, ABU Air Force, Marine Digital in Desert and Woodland and BDU Camouflage in Desert and Woodland
You can see these items here:http://judaicatreasures.stores.yahoo.net/cata.html
If I can be of help to anyone seeking these and other Jewish items, send me an email.
Dee
Jewish Prime Vendor
I wonder about the regulations regarding the kippot in law enforcement. I have seen NYPD officers wearing them in uniform. I was considering wearing mine in my police uniform.
Any news or guidelines on married Orthodox women wearing headcovering in the service?
Shana,
I’ve not met or seen one Orthodox woman wearing her “headcover” in uniform. As a matter of fact, I don’t know of any Orthodox woman who is in uniform! I’d be curious to know if there are any outside of Israel! I believe, too, that the traditional “headcovering” of the Orthodox female would be in violation of the current DOD guidelines for a small, unobtrusive head cover that does not interfere with either a combat helmet or gas mask. That is the basic criteria. Given that, it could be difficult to justify a “snood” or scarf. I don’t know that the uniformed services would allow shaving of the female head either, if that is also requested. Great question! You’ve given us lots to think about. In the meantime, pull out a camo kippah and join the rest of us in proudly bearing our Jewish souls!
One more small peice of info on why we wear a kippah. This comes from outside of the Talmud. In Shulchan Aruch at the end of the second siman, it states that a Jew should not walk four Amos ( Cubits ) with a bare head.
