High School Student Needed Rabbi’s Note to Wear Yarmulke in School
- Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:20pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Image source: Flickr user Harrington Events
A Maryland high school student and his parents are seeking an apology after the teen’s principal said he needed a note from his rabbi in order to wear his yarmulke in school, the Washington Post reported.
Caleb Tanenbaum said he was told last month to remove his head covering in the school’s cafeteria, but declined to do so on religious grounds.
Yarmulkes are traditionally worn by Jewish men when they pray, though some opt to wear them all day. Most are small, though Caleb’s was “a large, black hat that had been knitted by his mother and which covered his dreadlocks,” the newspaper described.
Caleb, a junior, said he told school officials to call his parents to confirm he was wearing the covering for religious purposes, which they did. Still, the principal asked for a letter from the family’s rabbi to confirm it.
Northwood High School Principal Henry Johnson Jr. told the Post the school doesn‘t usually question students’ religious wear, but with “all these different religions and cultures, we have to validate sometimes.”
“This wasn’t what we traditionally see as a yarmulke or a kippah,” Johnson said. “It looked like the head covering we see some Rastafarians wear.”
The family procured the note from their rabbi, but Caleb’s father is still upset. Steven Tanenbaum said he thought the principal overstepped, and that once he and his wife confirmed what their son said, “that should have been enough.”
“Instead of saying that’s fine, the principal wanted a letter from a rabbi,” Tanenbaum told the Wheaton Patch. “Our word was not good enough? We’re his parents!”
Rabbi Shlomo Buxbaum, who wrote the note, told the news site he’s never seen a student have to justify their religious wear before. He wrote in the letter, “I ask you, in the spirit of religious acceptance, to allow him to wear his Kippah in the school.”
Caleb, who was born in Jerusalem, said he’s been trying lately to re-embrace his Judaism. According to the Post, religious head coverings for Jews and Muslims are common at the school, which does not have any guidelines prohibiting students from wearing hats.
“He wanted me to prove my religion,” Caleb said.
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Comments (77)
Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 8:33pmDo you need a note from a terrorist to wear a Burka?
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 11:24pm.
Report Post »Are we paying these school administrators?
Has there been a rash of kids wearing yarmulkes
beating up other kids?
The-Monk
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 1:58amWhen I was in High School nobody was allowed to wear any type of hat during school hours. What is so special about Jews or Muslims or Hindi’s that they get to wear “head dresses” during school hours? No ball caps, no Cowboy hats, no Jewish caps and no turbines. Period! Get over it and welcome to America. If you don’t like it… go back home and wear your stupid hats or caps back there.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 2:43amThey look like Sand Dollars or Coffee filters to me. Nothing I’d ever wear on My head. But, I’m not going bald so I say much about it.
Report Post »VicksVaporub
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 1:58pmLet’s review. “Jewish” kid in public school eating non-kosher cafeteria food and has dreadlocks and he’s religious enough to wear a yarmulke?
Bull.
Report Post »tzion
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:53pm@Vapor
Report Post »First, how do you know he’s eating the cafeteria food? He could have brought a box lunch. Second, many religious Jews among the more traditional “black-hatters”, as they are sometimes known, wear their sideburns long in a manner that resembles dreadlocks. Third, who are you to judge his practices?
Mad Engineer
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:54pmCan we call the principal’s mom to see if he has permission to be this stupid? And if she says yes, can we then demand a note form his pastor/priest/iman/druid that he has a religous reason to be this stupid?
Report Post »elihu
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:21pmNow I’m just taking a wild guess here, but isn’t the Jewish faith just a little bit older (circa 1900 BC)than the Rastafarian system (1930 AD)? That would put them approximately 4000 years apart.
Report Post »doc glenn
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:15pmMaybe the Priciple should get some liberal sensitivity training. Yomekas don’t hide your identity.
Report Post »Valerius Poplicola
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:12pmThis was not a Yarmulke. It was a Rastafarian style hat, a hat knitted by his mother to cover her sons dreadlocks. The principle would not have bothered the kid if he was wearing a Yarmulke. But when you wear a Bob Marley style hat, like the Rastafarians wear, and you know Rastafarians use marijauna as part of their religious practice, and this kid is saying it is a Yarmulke, I might ask for confirmation too. I give the principle a pass on this one.
Report Post »Mannax
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 8:54pmThe troll is weak with this one.
Report Post »wordsworth
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 3:32amThe article specifically mentions he’s Jewish, and a Rabbi sanctioned the requirement of the Kippah.
There are parts of the world where Jews do wear knitted versions.
Report Post »Guerrino_P
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 9:22amI got kicked out of school for wearing a Mickey Mouse cap in class. I call that Anti-American.
Report Post »otto diesel
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 6:07pmif you are not allowed to wear a burka, a crucifix, or any other religious item into a school or public building, don’t do it or you gonna have problems with the authority. respect the rules of the game.
Report Post »Voice_ofFreedom
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 6:14pmIn what crazy universe does a Burka = a cross worn around the neck or upon a piece of clothing, or a yarmulke worn on your head? The reason there is a backlash against something like a burka is because it represents a set of laws called sharia, which encourage the killing of all non-muslims as well as the killing of anyone who no longer wishes to remain a muslim. I don’t remember any similar lessons in my understanding of Judaism or Christianity.
Report Post »jkwinters64
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 8:41pmAre you serious? You do know about the First Amendment don’t you. Even if the kid wasn’t Jewish and was Rastafarian, if that head covering is part of their religion then they get a pass. You cannot prohibit people exercising their religion. You tell me one public place, government or otherwise, that seeks to prevent me from wearing a cross there and I will come in wearing a 3′ cross around my neck, and I know plenty of people who would join me.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 7:17am@ Otto – I seem to recall a similar sentiment from a large group of people in Europe circa 1930ish…..are you suggesting we silently get in line behind such ideas because they come from the govenment or whomever is deemed to be in authority – even in violation of the Supreme Authority?
Report Post »LDSmommy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:07amjkwinters64-We just found out that our sons Jr. High forbids cross necklaces/jewelry. Their reason? It might OFFEND other students! We‘re LDS and don’t wear them, but come on.
Report Post »He is now being home-schooled. God help us cause I can barely count to ten and spell my dang name!
FREEDOM 1776
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:58pmIf I was the Principle, this is a no brainier I wouldn’t ask to begin with and the Principle clearly overstepped his bounds.
Report Post »Voice_ofFreedom
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:52pmWho exactly is offended by his head-wear when it puts forth no offensive message whatsoever. So does that mean if I were going to this school and I got a note from my “religious” leader, I would be able to come in wearing a KKK robe, a black panther get up, or a nazi uniform? I hope everyone sees this stupidity for just what it is.
Report Post »Delores at CH WV
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:27pmRules, rules, and more rules to save the butts of the local governments. Look, it is like a doctor’s note. Yes, it is stupid but you will not be sued in court by the ACLU and CAIR
Report Post »Voice_ofFreedom
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:53pmI don’t believe the American way involves living in fear of frivolous and ridiculous lawsuits.
Report Post »FREEDOM 1776
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 6:01pmWho is the ACLU, who was the founder and what does the ACLU really stand for?
Report Post »IMovedOn
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 6:58pmSomeone did not have the guts to say the four words which can’t seem to be uttered in the USA:
“In My Professional Opinion”
Report Post »tricia
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:23pm“we have to validate sometimes.” Mr Johnson said
Report Post »When did the RELIGIOUS POLICE, come into being in our schools or society? This is not a islamic country.
Who said this kid had to be part of a recognized congregation or permission from a rabbi, in order to practice and worship the ALMIGHTY the way he and his family want.
John the Baptist comes to mind when I read stories like this, and we all know what they did to him.
flatbroke
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:17pmhe cant wear his hat but, if a muslim whats to wear his/ her headgear the school wouldnt say a word!
Report Post »mazakman
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:10pmGod bless you Caleb!
Report Post »Stand your ground son.
garbagecanlogic
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:00pmKinda bad when you call the parents liars also……….
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
Collbuzz
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:54pmDo they tell the mooselem girlies to take their headshrouds off? They wouldn’t dare! CAIR would be down on them like stink on poo. Religeous tolerance it seems, to skip over anyone but the mooselems. Sad.
Report Post »PubliusPencilman
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 5:01pmYes, and if this story was about a Muslim girl with a headscarf, the comment section would be full of people yelling “This is America! Assimilate or get out!”
Report Post »mzk1
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:49pmJust to clarify, religious Jews normally wear a kippah everywhere. It’s especially important when eating, since one need to make a blessing before and afterwards. I can understand that the principal was dubious, but if there is no rule, and the parents said he was…
He may have been a little sensitive because there aren’t many Black Jews in the US, and people will tend to question them. In most places here in Israel it’s simpler, because we have all of the Ethiopeans.
Report Post »ThankBabyJesus
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:35pmOppressors! I see kids wear hats all the time. What’s the big deal teachers?
Report Post »Valerius Poplicola
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:17pmbing or google Rastafarian. There is some perspective to be gained here. This was not a Yarmulke this kid was wearing. It was a Bob Marley style hat, and if you don’t know much about Rastafarians, this would seem like an oppressive move on the principles part. If it was a traditional Yarmulke, the principle would not have said anything.
Report Post »liberalescheisskopf
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 7:41pmI see that all the libs are using spell check, it is PRINCIPAL not principle idiots!
Report Post »Findalis
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:16pmI’d like to see if this idiot would say the same thing to a Muslim student and if he did how fast would the Muslims riot over it?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:22pmDidn’t they already have a decision where Muslim students can wear daggars on their belts .. seems like I remember that one.
Report Post »Joey8
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:33pmthose are sikhs
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:57pmI am waiting for the first story to appear where someone does something like this to a Muslem. Can Muslem girls wear those head scarfs in school? It’s called equal rights. Muslems have just as much of a “right” to be persecuted as other faiths.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:12pmA Rabbi is a Teacher… of Scripture: So, any parent can claim to be a Rabbi!
Report Post »Jamesjim
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:10pmThis time the school was/is right.
Report Post »They’re just trying to keep the trash (for want of a better word) out.
And by doing so, they’re trying to keep our children safe.
God Bless America!
nappy
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:02pmI have always believed that children should be exempt from religious brainwashing until they are of an age where they can make their own decisions. Public wearing of religious uniforms, which is all they are, is detrimental to this kids social interaction with other kids. Plain and simple. But it will assure that he never has an alternative option other than that of his parent’s religious affiliation because he will be constantly defending his reasons.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:34pmBushwah!
Report Post »mzk1
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:38pmOnce again an intolerant atheist tries to destroy religious freedom.
Report Post »mzk1
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:44pmI’ve got a better idea. We’ll make your kids wear a kippah. After all, how will they ever leave the atheism you brainwashed them into otherwise?
People like you are no different than the inquisition, the Muslims who forced Jewish orphans into their “natural religion”, and the Soviets who totally destroyed the Jewish religion in the USSR,
We survived evil people like them, and we will survive evil people like you also. There are good, normal tolerant atheists out there. People like you give atheists a bad name.
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 4:00pmLeave my brainwashed kids alone.
Report Post »texasoysterman
Posted on February 5, 2012 at 8:44am@Nappy
Report Post »Caleb, who “said he’s been trying lately to re-embrace his Judaism” is 17 years old. I think that’s plenty old enough to make his own religious decisions.
Fletcher13
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:35amSo, secular brainwashing is OK since it opposes all religious brianwashing? You sir, are a MORON!
Report Post »Move back to the failed Communist country you want us all to become!
Dancing_In_The_Ruins
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:59pm“it’s not a traditional head covering” It‘s not the shape or size of the covering it’s that it covers, I’ve seen many Jews wear baseball caps or knit hats along with regular brimed hats just to fit in with our culture, nothing wrong with that.
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:58pmThere are no winners here. We have a principal with no policy against hats, being a jerk. Then, we have a piece of crap kid who tries to support his rasta hair and hat by hiding behind being jewish.
Two losers, next.
Report Post »applehill
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:42pmI can see the schools point of view on this. The kid was not wearing a traditional head covering. Some kids will claim religious beliefs for just about everything so they can get away with it. No hats means no hats. If you must wear something for religious purposes, I see nothing wrong with their request for a note from the rabbi. Those kids who claim religious reasons will have parents backing up whatever their kids say… After all we live in a “It’s all about the Kids” world. I know a guy who told our congressman that he had to smoke pot for religious reasons.
Report Post »CanadaKen
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 3:27pmAPPLEHILL
Report Post »“No hats means no hats.”
Read the last line of the story…
the school, which does not have any guidelines prohibiting students from wearing hats.
wordsworth
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 4:21pmIt *was* a traditional head covering. At any given Orthodox synagogue in the US you will see a wide range of styles.
Report Post »dd41
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:35pmPull your pants down past your butt, put on a revealing top and skirt and they won’t bother you at all.
Report Post »Public schools and employees = nothing but trouble.
katiefrankie
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:31pmHow condescending of the principal. What the heck is wrong with people? If there is no “hat/no hat” policy at the school, leave the kid alone. If there is, a note from his parents should suffice. What a bully.
Report Post »Sparhawk
Posted on February 4, 2012 at 2:39pmWell said. Since there is no policy against wearing hats, this is simply a case of an ignorant principal. He picked on one student for choosing to wear a head covering (religious or not) when the school had no policy against wearing a head covering (religious or not). This principal needs to apologize.
Report Post »