Jewish Clothing in the Workplace

 

    The problem I am addressing to major companies is how Kippahs and Tallits should be a piece of clothing that is acceptable in the workplace for both genders. This should be normalized in employee handbooks because it shows maturity in the company in that they have respect for all their employees, no matter the religious background.

    I would recommend letting people wear Kippahs because according to my Jewish Learning, Kippahs are circular little hats that can be made out of several different materials dependent on which form of Judaism you identify as. Traditional Orthodox communities have Kippahs made of black velvet, or silk. In Modern Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform communities Kippahs are made of leather, and crocheted kippot. Kippahs are important to Jewish people because they signal a deep respect to God. Most Jewish people only wear Kippahs during prayer and Jewish study but more traditional Jews wear them at all times, except when bathing and sleeping and companies should respect that as well.

    

    Another clothing item companies should start normalizing is Tallits in the office. Tallits are prayer shawls that the Jewish wear to cover their Kippahs. In some cases Tallits can also be used for women, although mostly men use this item of clothing, especially during important events. The prayer shawl is important because it is believed to give more respect to God because you are covering your head twice. It is used during prayer.