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Kippah

World Religion
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A small head covering worn by many Jewish men and, in some communities, by people of other genders as a sign of reverence before God.

Detailed Definition
A kippah, also called a yarmulke, is worn in many Jewish communities during prayer, study, religious observance, or daily life. Its modest circle of cloth acknowledges a presence above the wearer and turns the crown of the head into a reminder of humility. In poetry, the kippah can serve as a small sky, a portable sanctuary, or a visible sign of belonging. Its delicate fabric may contrast with wind, grief, celebration, and the enduring pressure of inherited obligation.
Example
Example in poetry:
A poem may mention a kippah as a Jewish head covering worn during prayer or in accordance with religious practice; A poet might focus on the kippah’s small circle as an image of humility beneath the open sky; “He set the kippah on his head before lifting the blessing” uses the term in a ritual scene; The object can also help a poem explore identity, observance, family, and public belonging
Additional Notes
A kippah is also called a yarmulke. It expresses reverence and awareness of God, though customs about who wears one and when vary. In poetry, the small covering can symbolize humility, memory, identity, or devotion.
Also Known As
Yarmulke Skullcap
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