Dear Refiner's Fire...

The other day there was a debate in the Bet Midrahs about Tanyah, one man said that we have 5 types of souls and the Neshama which is the highest that comes to us. When we do our Bar Mitzvah, my question is, why does Neshama comes to us at bar Mitzvah? If Adam had the neshama when he was created...

Also in the Days of Moshe, this did not exist, this is just a modern tradition.

And the other question, is about Kippa. Once a Rabbi told me that we wear kippa because God is above us, but indeed God is within us.

Thanks and Yom Tov, Hayman

Our Response....

Adam had everything to live a life in fellowship with G-d; he lost it. He was put out of Eden and suffered many consequences for doing what was told not to do.

On Bar Mitzvah the boy made a public declaration of his intent to obey Ha Shem and practice His Torah. This is similar to what the Christians call "giving their life to Jesus" or "becoming born-again". The belief is that the Ruach HaKodesh came inside of that young man.

As to the Kippa there's no mention in the Tanach or the N.T.

My understanding of the Kippa is based on its origin. It started to be used during the time we were in Babylon. It began as an expression of resistance to the captors and as an attitude of repentance to Ha Shem. When wearing it, the people were affirming that they were not under the king of Babylon but under G-d...that G-d was above them. But you are correct: if we open ourselves to Him he will be within us.

Personally I don't see a problem if someone chooses to wear or not to wear a Kippa.

Shalom, Thaddi