2. Yarmulke – Wearing from age three:[1]

*For the full detailed laws relating to wearing a Yarmulka, See our corresponding Sefer “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 6.

It is proper to cover the head of children [in order to place upon them fear of heaven[2]].[3] This applies from the moment the child reaches the age of Chinuch.[4] Practically, from age three we are particular that a boy does not walk without a Yarmulke [for even one moment].[5] Furthermore, many are accustomed to place a Yarmulke on their child even before age three[6], and some even do so as soon as the child is born.[7] However, the custom of the world is not to be particular about this, and rather to only be particular from age three and onwards.[8] [This especially applies if due to the child’s long hair prior to age 3, it is difficult for him to keep his Yarmulka on his head.[9]]

Q&A Are children to wear a Yarmulke during sleep?[10] Yes. Children are to wear a Yarmulke even when sleeping.   A Maaseh Shehaya:[11] There were once two children who walked pass the elders of the city which were sitting by the city gate. One child had a head covering on him while the other did not. The elders began discussing the lineage of the child who did not cover his head. Rebbe Elazar said that the child is a bastard. Rebbe Y. said that he was conceived when his mother was a Niddah. Rebbi Akiva said that he is both a bastard and the child of a Niddah. At that time they said “Blessed be G-d the G-d of Israel for revealing his secrets to Rebbe Akiva the son of Yosef.”

___________________________________________ [1] Shevach Habris 3:1; Nitei Gavriel 16:5-7

[2] Admur Kama 2:7; Shabbos 156b

^[3] Admur Kama 2:7; Basra 2:6; based on M”A 2:6 and Tractate Shabbos 156b; Elya Raba 2:4; Kitzur SH”A 3:6; M”B 2:11

Background: The Gemara in Shabbos ibid states that the mother of Rebbe Nachman Bar Yitzchak was careful to cover  his head even when he was a small child.

[4] Piskeiy Dinim Tzemach Tzedek O.C. 2:8

[5] Igros Kodesh Rayatz 8:558; Igros Kodesh 9:181; Shulchan Menachem 5:27; Shaareiy Halacha Uminhag 2 p. 300; Misgeres Hashulchan in Lechem Hapanim on Kitzur SH”A 166 that “the custom amongst all of Israel is to educate the child from three years old, which is when he starts speaking, in all matters of holiness”; Nitei Gavriel ibid and 7

[6] Igros Kodesh 9 p. 181; Shaareiy Halacha Uminhag ibid; Shulchan Hatahor Tznius 5; Divrei Yatziv 91; Shraga Hameir 3:80; See also Mishneh Halachos 7:2; See Nitei Gavriel ibid who lists the following customs: 1) From the Bris and onwards 2) From when he knows how to walk and onwards;  3) From when he knows to keep it on his head and onwards; 4) When he comes to Shul [Sjraga Hameir 3:8]

[7] The will of the Rebbe Rashab to the general public printed in Ishkavta Dirrebe p. 136 and Igros Kodesh Rashab 2:505; Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 12 in name of Rebbe Rayatz in name of Besht to be particular from the Bris and onwards and that so is Chabad custom

[8] Divrei Yatziv ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 2:11; Nitei Gavriel ibid that some are particular that until age three he does not wear a Yarmulka

[9] Nitei Gavriel ibid footnote 11

[10] Igros Kodesh 3 p. 397 [brought in Shaareiy Chinuch p. 148]; Sichos Kodesh 5736 1:88; Shulchan Hatahor Tznius 5

[11] This story is brought in Tractate Kallah and shows the importance for even children to wear head coverings. [brought in Ketzos Hashulchan 3 footnote 8]; See also Toldos Yeshu