Covered in Shame
On a visit to Mexico, many Jews came to see me, sporting kippot in the traditional Jewish custom. But as they approached the Beit Hakeneset on Shabbat, I noticed that they were bare-headed. They looked no different from the gentiles who lived in their vicinity. As they saw my surprise at their uncovered heads, they were filled with shame.
One of the men, seeing me approaching, suggested to his comrades that they turn back so as not to encounter me and confront my displeasure. But his friend, who did not know me, could not understand what the fuss was about.
As our paths crossed, I nonchalantly removed the kippah from under my hat and placed it upon the head of one of the men. This was my silent rebuke. The man did not know where to hide himself from shame.
Upon reflection, I felt that their shame at meeting up with me in their bare-headed state surely entered deeply into their hearts. Maybe it would encourage them to be more conscious in the future about keeping their heads covered.
