How a handmade kippah united faiths and politics
A crocheted yarmulke’s winding journey from a New Jersey classroom to Congressman George Latimer’s head reveals an unlikely network of Jewish community ties, public service and interfaith solidarity in Westchester and beyond.
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It’s all about gratitude. First to Congressman George Latimer and then to Marsha Motzen with a little for our newly elected White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch, and finally to New York District 16 staffers.
About six months ago, I was sitting in the Young Israel of White Plains listening to Latimer, former Westchester County executive (2018-2025) and current U.S. Congressman for New York’s District 16, discuss his most recent trip to Israel. Latimer is indeed a “righteous among the Gentiles,” a staunch ally and strong advocate for both the Jewish community and Israel. I have had the privilege to hear him speak at perhaps a dozen events in recent years—everything from the annual Yom HaShoah commemorations to the many events concerning the former Israeli hostages and war in Gaza. He has spoken at the Hebrew Institute of White Plains, Young Israel of White Plains, Temple Israel of White Plains, Young Israel of Scarsdale and Westchester Day School dinners and celebrations. A devout Catholic, he is a man of conviction and heart, with a Jewish “neshama” thrown in for good measure.
Listening to Latimer share the details of his most recent mission to Israel, I could not help thinking that instead of the white silk yarmulke sitting askew on his head, he could really benefit from a custom kippah for all of his efforts and support of Jews around the world.
Enter Motzen, the multitalented music teacher at the Yavneh Academy in Paramus and dear friend of Jay and Laya Press, parents of my daughter-in-law Annie Grauer who is married to our son Sam. I have dubbed Motzen “the Kippah Fairy” as she has already crocheted unique and beautiful custom kippot for several prominent government officials. She generously agreed to crochet one for Latimer too.
Meanwhile, Justin Brasch, a distinguished, local Orthodox White Plains Common Council member and friend, had just been elected as the mayor of White Plains. While wishing him mazel tov, I informed him of the kippah and hoped he could help expedite giving the kippah to Latimer, perhaps in person, as they are colleagues. He responded affirmatively, but he needed some time to acclimate to his new position.
A month later we all attended the Westchester Day School Dinner and I approached Latimer, who was with Mayor-elect Justin Brasch. I showed them a photograph of the completed kippah from my phone and Latimer appeared truly touched. He smiled broadly and told me we could be in touch to arrange a meeting so Motzen could present it to him personally.
Alas, the saga of the traveling kippah begins: After several calls to Latimer’s local White Plains office, it was determined that mailing it to Washington, D.C. would be the best option. Motzen kindly mailed the kippah from her home in Englewood with a letter as instructed.
However, after a few weeks, Motzen, slightly disappointed, had not heard from Latimer’s Washington office. As the instigator of this “caper,” I again called the White Plains office. In the middle of the conversation someone interrupted: “Morah Jane? Morah Jane?” I was completely flummoxed as I had been talking to a lovely woman whom I do not believe was Jewish. Additionally, I’ve been retired for six years. Enter another angel. This new voice had been working in the other office and overheard her colleague say the word “yarmulke.” As an Orthodox Jew, she felt she could help. Coincidentally, I taught kindergarten to two of her children! She instructed me to send a detailed email to the Washington, D.C. office. They determined that the kippah had become detached from Motzen’s letter during the two weeks of security protocols. The kippah was sitting bereft on the desk of one of Latimer’s aides. The D.C. office was so grateful to have solved the mystery. After more consultation, it was decided that the kippah would be personally escorted back to the White Plains office by a congressional aide.
Once again, I contacted the White Plains office to determine the status of the recently delivered kippah to White Plains. A new aide named Chana answered the phone. I knew I had found my bashert! She is the staff assistant and district scheduler. Again, I explained the whole story. She totally grasped the situation. In one week, she orchestrated the meeting with Latimer, Motzen and Brasch.
At the presentation Latimer expressed his gratitude and stated, “This yarmulke, which references humility before the Almighty, is a wonderful reminder of the link between those of us of differing faiths possessing joint principles.” He continued, “I’m always proud to support my Jewish friends and neighbors and happy to have my own yarmulke to wear.”
As an added surprise, Motzen thoughtfully crocheted a custom kippah for Brasch too.
May both Latimer and Brasch be blessed with much good health and strength to continue to advocate for the benefit of Jews everywhere and be reminded that we are all most grateful for their efforts.
Currently serving on AMIT’s Board of Governors and a Jewish educator for over four decades, “Morah Jane” taught kindergarten at Westchester Day School for almost 25 years. She also served as the principal of the Hebrew Institute of White Plains religious school for many years. A graduate of Barnard College, she earned a master’s degree in early childhood and gifted and talented. She is a longtime active member of the Hebrew Institute of White Plains, New York. Married to Josh Grauer, she is a proud bubbie of seven grandchildren.
