My Dog Ate My Kippah - Does It Need Jewish Burial?

In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah is the process and place where we bury holy items. Genizah (also known as "shaimos," literally "names") is required when a piece of parchment or paper has God's name on it; we're not allowed to destroy it or throw it away, so it gets buried the same way a human being would. The question is, does a destroyed kippah need Jewish burial, or can it just be thrown out? The simple answer is no, it does not need genizah. A kippah (yarmulke) has no spiritual significance whatsoever. It's nothing more than a convenient way to cover our heads. Jewish men cover their heads to constantly remind themselves that God is above that's actually where the term "yarmulke" comes from: "yirat Malka," meaning "fear of the King" or "awe of Heaven."But how I cover my head isn't mandated. I can use a turban, hood, baseball cap, or fedora—really, any head covering counts. The fact that I wear one type of covering versus another is insignificant. The yarmulke has absolutely no inherent spiritual value. I often see people drop their kippah, pick it up, and kiss it the same way we kiss a holy Jewish book or other sacred item that falls.This is totally unnecessary because, as I said, it doesn't have any spiritual or religious significance.Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,Please email us at [email protected]📧Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟Follow us for more:Website - https://www.joidenver.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenverFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenverYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenverPinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiySubscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.