Covering one's head has long been viewed as a sign of respect.  In traditional Judaism, particularly in Europe the wearing of a skull cap "Yarmulke" or "Kee-pah" was adopted.  Like many other customs, this has been assigned more than one meaning. 

    The emblem of wearing a Keepah is in our view a personal one.  It is not ordered anywhere in Jewish law or scripture. Rather it is a choice depending on what the custom means to the wearer. 

    At Temple Beth Israel a minority of congregants will wear a Keepah during the service.  You do not have to be Jewish to wear a Keepah during a Jewish service, however, you certainly are not expected to do so either.  Basically, if you feel that it does something for you then grab a Keepah.  If not, you are still 100% a part of our ceremony.