Why do most jewish people I see cover their heads? Also can you tell me what the different coverings are and what they mean.

Hi, eriknugent!

What is quoted below is from the following site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tzniut

What are the big fuzzy ones I see looks like some kind of a russian hat or something.
And why does the law of moses require this.

Not all Jews cover their heads. But mostly Orthodox adherents do. It's out of respect for G-d that He is over us. Women wear scarves. The law of Moshe doesn't require a big fuzzy hat. That big fuzzy hat is called a shtreimel and is worn by Hasids on Shabbos and Holidays. It's made of pelts and can be very expensive depending on the quality. Some Orthodox Jews still wear clothing resembling that of our Jewish ancestors hundreds of years ago from Eastern Europe. When I go to services I usually attend at the Reform where you can use a yarmulke (not required), if you prefer. It's a smaller head covering that's very simple, although of updated design. BTW kippot in general have been around since the 12th century. However if I were to adhere to a stricter guideline of interpretation of halacha and traditions, I would probably visit with the Modern Orthodox community, as they at least appear to prefer to live in this century.

The oral law derives that one is not to pray except with a "seriousness of head" which is understood to mean, with an awareness of the divine above, and this awareness is signified by a head covering which serves as a physical reminder of the spiritual covering.

Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity. There is no requirement either biblically nor explicitly stated in the Talmud that this practice be followed although the practice is noted in the Talmud. Yet, through the ages it became an accepted Jewish custom, which, according to the majority of halachic authorities, makes it mandatory.

Some of the head coverings already mentioned include:


Tichel


Sheitel

Snood


eriknugent,

The hat you are referring to is called a Shtreimel, and it is indeed modeled after the headwear worn by Russian and Polish nobles in the 1600-1700s. These are generally worn by Chasidic men.

Shtreimel

In general Orthodox Jewish men wear Yarmulkas, also called kippot (kippa - singular). Kippot come in many sizes and colors.

Kippa/Yarmulka

Some men also wear fedora-style hats... Borcelino-brand hats tend to be the most common. They tend to be either black or navy-blue.

Borcelino hat



It should be noted that in addition to having a Halachic (Jewish Law) component, Jewish head coverings also tend to signify socio-political affiliation within Orthodox Judaism. Shtreimels are very symbolic of Chassidic Judaism. A white-knit Yarmulka or Kippa might indicate that the wearer is a follower of the teachings of Rabbi Cook, and thus is likely ardently Zionistic. A black hat might indicate someone from the Yeshiva community, most likely a follower of the Brisker Yeshiva. A blue hat might indicate a member of the Yeshiva movement who follows the teachings of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin. A colored yarmulka tends to indicate someone who is modern-orthodox. A satin Yarmulka might indicate a sephardic Jew.

These are, of course, generalizations, and should not be taken as definitive in any way.

Elliot

It should be noted that the proper spelling of the maker of that last hat pictured is "Borsalino," after Giuseppe Borsalino.

Great info Elliot!