Jewish Dopers - What should I do if I see a yarmulke lying on the street?

Morrison · April 3, 2003, 4:39pm

Isn’t it disrespectful for it to be on the dirty ground? Then again, what would I do with it after I picked it up?

Finagle · April 3, 2003, 4:50pm

Treat it like any hat. As far as I know, they’re not sacred in any way. They fulfill the obligation to keep your head covered, but that’s pretty much it.

Bryan_Ekers · April 3, 2003, 5:00pm

If the yarmulke begins to smoke and/or emit a high tone, leave the area immediately and notify civil authorities.

CC · April 3, 2003, 5:00pm

True. Unless, of course, there’s a Jew underneath it. Then, consider calling 911.

tiny_ham · April 3, 2003, 5:06pm

I knew there was a joke in there somewhere.

zev_steinhardt · April 3, 2003, 5:07pm

Finagle is correct. A yarmulke has no special religious holiness. It should probably be picked up anyway, just out of respect for your environment (you don’t want to be in a place full of litter, do you?)

Zev Steinhardt

js_africanus · April 4, 2003, 12:16am

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

Dogface · April 4, 2003, 12:58am

And if it’s a double-barrelled yarmulke with chin straps, it’s a brassiere.