Of Kippas and Earrings, The Sequel
Previously, I posted Of Earrings and Kippas. There is a postscript to the story that punctuates the power of sharing our experiences, a lot of what this blog is about.
My Father-In-Law was a member of an amud yomi chaburah (a group of people that jointly study one side of a talmud page per day). Each participant was asked to speak at a siyum (celebratory meal upon the completion of a section of Torah). My Father-In-Law was not looking forward to this. Even though he is fluent in English, it is his fourth language and he is, understandably, hesitant to engage in public speaking. That being the case, he fretted over what to say and how to say it. Finally, he decided to tell the “Of Kippahs and Earrings” story and somehow relate it to the gemorrah that the chaburah had finished.
The story went over well. Weeks later, someone unknown to him stopped my Father-In-Law and asked him if he was the one who told the story about how he started wearing his kippah at work. My Father-In-Law replied affirmatively. The gentleman profusely thanked him and said that the story inspired him to start wearing his kippah full time.
David: That’s funny. I’d retain you to take care of it, but it was many moons ago. Good Shabbos to all.
Sarah:
What was he anti-fruit or something? I think that’s discrimination :)
I worked at NYU Medical Center while still single, and I remember having the discussion with my boss about headcoverings after my upcoming marriage. A single girl especially, even with tznius clothing, can somehow blend in easier, not necessarily as obviously orthodox as when wearing headcoverings. At that time of life I wanted to wear snoods, tichels, hats or whatever, but not sheitels. And so I figured I’d better warn my boss. His reaction was funny, he said he didn’t mind what I wore as long as it wasn’t big straw hats with fruits and bananas dangling off them.
amishav: just sending you chizuk and hatzlocha. I bet most of the BT writers here can remember when they first started wearing headcoverings in public, and there are probably many stories.
Surely, the reaction you get depends on who is around you. When I made the change, I was working in a frum office already, so it was instantly accepted and applauded, but it was still awkward for me the first day or two. If you are surrounded by non-Jewish middle school kids and staff I guess you can fortify your own reasons and commitment to yourself, then perhaps anticipate their reactions and how to respond?
Also, being in Israel definitely made kippa/tzizis wearing easier for my sons. As you said, hopefully you can make it permanent while you are there.
Amishav,
For a great story about another public school teacher who wore his kippah to school for the first time listen to this “Rabbi Label Lam’s Hilarious and Inspiring Life Story”. I can’t grab the link from here (Mark, if you see this, help me out!) but you can run a search within the blog. It’s definitely worthwhile.
Updated:
Here is Part 1 – Life Story, Part 2 – Life Story and Part 3 – Tools for Continuing Growth of Rabbi Lam’s speech. Enjoy!
Its just the way I grew up I suppose, but I only wear a kippa when I’m praying. I know that when I’m in Israel I’ll wear one all the time, and maybe that will get me wearing one here in the states. I work in a middle school where there are very few Jews, and when I have worn one, it’s been a huge distraction. Maybe if I wore it from the beginnning of the year it might be different. Anyway, reading your post got me thinking about it again. Thanks!
And who knows how many others of this man’s family or around him will come around now as well. You never know what seeds plant. Inspiring.