Handmade Kipot, With Immigrant Touch

This immigrant from Myanmar is crocheting yarmulkes for the Jewish Museum, which perfectly demonstrates the museum's theme about immigrants. - - Donna Poisl

by Deborah Hirsch, Jewish Exponent Staff

Win Htay gives a glimmer of a shy smile as she holds up a delicate, hand-crocheted yarmulke. The 28-year-old had never heard of a yarmulke until she came here four years ago, resettled by HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia as she fled political and military repression in Myanmar.

Nor did she expect that crocheting the round head coverings would become a modest source of income. Over the past few months, the National Museum of American Jewish History purchased 11 of her kipot to sell in its store.

Htay has a personal agent to thank for the connection, longtime HIAS volunteer Resa Rudney.
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