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Shalom brothers and sisters (I believe that all humans are siblings). I'm an agnostic non-Jew who will be visiting the Kotel. I want to use a kippah there if it is only to show respect for people. But I found that Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson says that non-Jews should wear kippot (for example in synagogues) "as a sign of humility in the presence of" G-d ("Jewish answers to real-life questions", p. 24). I know that non-Jews have used kippot at the Kotel (for example, American presidents). But most of them (at least) were theists. So my question is whether or not the use of a kippah will imply in any way that I am a theist (I don't want to "lie" in this regard). Thanks a lot!

Philosopher of science
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  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat. – msh210 Apr 19 '20 at 12:37
  • You question is whether one thing "will imply" another. Please clarify with an [edit] to the question what sort of implication you're asking about (for example, an implication in the opinion of onlookers, or an implication according to the rules of Judaism (halakha), or what). – msh210 Apr 19 '20 at 12:39
  • Do you use the abbreviation "AD" when discussing the date? – rosends Apr 19 '20 at 14:49
  • What date are you talking about? – Philosopher of science Apr 19 '20 at 15:38
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    Whilst a kippa does have the purpose of "as a sign of humility in the presence of G-d", wearing one at the Kotel is merely a courtesy to Jews there and doesn't say anything about your religious beliefs. Jews are well aware that many people visiting do not share all/some of our beliefs. – AKA Apr 19 '20 at 19:14
  • @Philosopherofscience Both Spinoza and Rambam (in some ways) were deists and theists. Personally, I see no value in being an agnostic. But my guess is that its better than atheism. I'd be interested to learn why you are an agnostic and not a theist. – Turk Hill Apr 19 '20 at 19:25
  • @Philosopherofscience the secular date. If Anno Domini stands for "year of our lord" are you, by using it, implying a belief in a lord? What about using currency that has "In God We Trust" on it? – rosends Apr 19 '20 at 19:28
  • @Philosopherofscience Based on what everyone else says, I think it is fine to wear a kippah. The Pope dons one. – Turk Hill Apr 19 '20 at 19:41
  • Don't non-Jews have their own skull caps when they wear zucchettos and pileolus anyway? – Turk Hill Apr 19 '20 at 19:48
  • Dear @Turk Hill What Popes wear is not a kippah. It is called a zucchetto, as you well said. I don't use the expression "AD", but the expression "CE" (Common Era), which is current in academia. I don't think this is the best place to discuss why I am an agnostic, but we could take the chat somewhere else if you would like that. Best regards. – Philosopher of science Apr 20 '20 at 07:58
  • @Philosopherofscience Yes, I would be interested in chatting with you. You can reach me at turkt082@gmail.com – Turk Hill Apr 20 '20 at 17:34
  • @Philosopherofscience Are you still interested in telling me why you are agnostic? I would like to know. – Turk Hill Apr 24 '20 at 21:01

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