What does a Menorah and an iKIPPAH have in common?

I vividly remember last year, hours before Chanukah. I was outside with my boys. They were scooting down Hilgard Avenue, past the W Hotel, and through the friendly neighborhood of Westwood. I clearly remember that they were wearing Kippahs with pictures of Menorahs all over. 

Pretty cute! Great material for an insta story, "scooting into Chanukah like… "

I encourage my boys to wear Yarmulkahs out on the street and wherever they go, even to bed. 

We purchase leathe, suede, colorful, playful, solid, sophisticated, car covered, and pretty much any design that will "cover" their interest.

Yet, the only holiday themed Kippahs they wear are on Chanukah. Is there any significance to Chanukah Kippahs?

Growing up in Chicago, I fondly remember Chanukah in my warm winter coat, standing outside, watching some nine foot Menorah being lit in front of tens or hundreds of people.

We always had a bit of a jelly doughnut and went home to our cozy home to kindle our own Menorah.

It was always a holiday of education, of spreading positive energy, of symbolism, of awareness to G-D's constant presence in this physical earth, and of Jewish pride. 

Starting to sound similar to a Kippah.

The Kippah covers the head. Its message is simple, but very deep. A cap on one’s head signifies that there is a G-D above. Your human understanding and powers are limited. The rest is up to G-D. It whispers that there is a big piece of G-D in your body, which is under your friendly Kippah.

Starting to sound familiar. To a Menorah.

The Menorah's flames flicker. They mirror the flame of the Jewish soul. They signify the big piece of G-D inside the person and in the hand that is igniting it.

Their flames infuse spirituality and holiness into a home through the seemingly mundane oil, wick, candle, metal, ceramic.

Starting to sound familiar. To a Kippah.

A Kippah sanctifies a piece of material and thread that becomes a G-Dly masterpiece. It's physical beauty and creativity is now an actual garment in spreading G-D's truth to ourselves and to others.

The Kippah comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Different sects of Jews like to "wear" this Mitzvah in different ways. All variations acceptable. All with the same goal and same purpose. 

Starting to sound familiar. To a Menorah.

Giant thirty-two feet Menorahs, and small metallic and pretty much generic Menorahs. Colorful. Gold. Silver. There are all kinds. 

For G-D wants His Presence in every physical space, and in every physical person. 

No wonder why there is a Kippah decorated with Menorahs.

Written by:

Zeldie Cunin, Chabad of Westwood