Can women wear a kippah in an Orthodox synagogue as long as they also observe the dress code for women and sit in the section for women?
Same thing for the Tzitzit?
Answer:
With regards to a Tallis the Rama in O:C 17 writes that while strictly speaking it may done, practically it may should not be done as it is a practice which exudes haughtiness. This is certainly true in an Orthodox synagogue where this practice is considered unacceptable.
In fact some sources seem to indicate an even more serious problem, that of a woman wearing a man’s garb which is a Biblical prohibition. See Targum Yonasan, Devarim 22:5. See also Beis Hillel Shulchan Aruch in Y:D 182, who takes issue with this prohibition with regards to wearing tzitzis. The halacha seems to follow the opinion that there is no prohibition of Beged Ish, as implied by the above Rama.
However this may only by a Tallis which is a positive commandment, which technically a woman may fulfill as well. Wearing a kippah however may in fact constitute the above prohibition, as it is primarily a garment warn by men exclusively.
This is the technical halachic analysis. Beyond that there is the more fundamental question of the role of women in synagogue services and in Jewish life in general. Much has been written on this topic, it is readily available online and in other places. This is not the forum for a lengthy discussion, so I will keep it short. The women’s role as the back bone of the Jewish home and family is an important and central one on Jewish life. A women’s exemption from certain commandments and secondary role in services, is most similar to a brain surgeon called for emergency surgery. He is exempt from praying and all other mitzvos, because he is doing the greatest mitzvah of all, saving lives. This has been the traditional role of the Jewish women, raising her family and nourishing her home. The attempt to mimic men’s form of worship is misguided and a waste of the unique energy and wisdom of the Jewish women.
