It was a warm spring day in 1993, in Hollywood, California. I was 14 years old, headed to one of my favorite haunts, the Golden Apple Comic Shop on Melrose. Back then I was an avid comic book collector and I needed a fix every couple of weeks. As I walked through the door, something was different. There was a charge in the air. I looked around unsure what was going on. The place was mostly empty, except for several men in dark glasses who were positioned throughout the store. Everyone was focused on someone in the back.
I craned my neck and could not believe who I saw. I was actually in the store with Michael Jackson! I quickly glanced at the guy behind the counter who nodded his head at me to confirm. I wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip past.
I tried to play it cool. Here I was, this lanky Jewish kid in high tops and a yarmulke, standing before the king of pop. I took in his famously eccentric attire, the fedora and the bodyguards. “Are you Michael Jackson?” (I figured it was a good opener.) When he responded that he was, I went straight for the gold, asking him for his autograph. He politely obliged, scribbling his moniker on a cardboard comic book protector I had hastily grabbed off a nearby table.
“Why do you wear a yarmulke?” Michael asked.
I thought the encounter was over but then he caught me off guard. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Uh, sure,” I responded.
“Are you Jewish?”
“Yes,” I answered, wondering where this was going.
“Why do you wear a yarmulke?” Michael asked.
We shared a shy, sort of sheepish smile together at his knowledge of this insiders-only word, and I tried to think of an appropriate response. I drew on my 14 years of Jewish upbringing and education to muster up the best response I could think of. “We put a yarmulke on our heads to remind us always that there is One above us, and no matter how great we are, He is greater.”
He nodded, accepting the answer, and said it was very nice, but it was hard to tell what he really thought behind those impenetrable sunglasses. After some small talk and a handshake, I left the store, excited about my newly acquired autograph.
The next day in school, all I could talk about was meeting Michael Jackson, and my awesome new autograph got passed around among all my friends.
Years later, a friend pointed out the powerful symbolism: I advised Michael Jackson, who was one of the most famous and successful people in the world, at the height of his career, to be humble and to remember that there was One above him Who was greater than he. Without really meaning to, I told the King of Pop that he wasn’t the King of the universe.
Looking back on the story, I realize that the concept goes even deeper. The yarmulke sits on the head, above the brain. It’s there to remind us that even the things we’ve accomplished with our brains, things we should rightfully be proud of, should not cause us to be haughty because our Creator above is the One who made it all possible. Our brains are responsible for our creativity, our PhDs and Nobel Prizes, our works of art and our literary masterpieces, and yes, our musical hits. But without the Almighty’s help, none of it would be possible.
In fact, the very word “yarmulke” is a combination of the Hebrew words “Yarei Malka,” which translates to “Awe of the King.” Yes, I have a good mind and I’ve accomplished much in my life, but I must remember that it’s all a gift from Above.
Michael Jackson’s question got me thinking and all these years later it’s still on my mind. So M.J., thanks for asking.
(9) Anonymous, October 16, 2016 11:07 AM
He learned from you!
Michael could have been the most arrogant of entertainers, given his unmatched talent and celebrity, but he was the most humble of all. He often spoke of this and his lyrics expressed often his humility. I am SURE without a doubt that your answer struck a chord with him and he never forgot what you taught him.
(8) Phil, February 18, 2015 9:13 PM
Origin of Yarmulke
Although "Yarei Malka" isn't the *real* source of the word yarmulke, it does make for a beautiful lesson.
(7) Rachel, February 18, 2015 2:27 AM
what a nice story!
I feared from the headline this was going to be an attack on the late singer, how nice to read something so positive
Roberta fuller, February 18, 2015 12:05 PM
Love Michael
A great story! I love Michael - he was am amazing talent. Since I wasn't in the room with him and the children I can't say for sure what happened. My guess is these stories were created so people could cash in. See you Michael one day in heaven!
Annie, February 22, 2015 1:32 AM
Hee ! Good thinking to grab the handy cardboard wrapper-though I don't suppose that, under the circumstances, the shop owner would have been too annoyed if you'd grabbed a magazine :D I wouldn't have, I'd have made you a present of it :)
Annie, February 23, 2015 5:58 AM
Why would the story be an attack ? It seems a completely neutral headline, purely descriptive.
(6) Rivki, February 18, 2015 1:24 AM
Good for MJ
Probably many people wonder what is the reason for wearing a yarmulke, but most don't have the guts to ask!
(5) sdiniz, February 17, 2015 7:38 PM
yarmulke..
Brother,
Your answer was sharp... still now is echoing.
(4) Chesed, February 17, 2015 6:23 PM
The lesson was lost
Apparently it was not a lesson learned by the rest of the world. The permanent tribute show in Las Vegas is called Michael Jackson: One.
(3) holly, February 17, 2015 6:04 PM
other pop stars who respected Jews
Justin Bieper. Though I am not happy about the way Justin turned out, he maid some positive remarks about Jewish, and even went to the Anne Frank Muesem. though he left a pretty goofy comment at the end..
(2) Lisa, February 17, 2015 5:53 PM
I think just by MJ asking the question shows he was a bit spiritual .
The answer you quickly came up with to answer MJ was brilliant! It wasn't some long drawn out explanation. It was direct & to the point.
I'm sure MJ was a bit spiritual and was very impressed with your answer.
Anonymous, February 17, 2015 8:09 PM
MJ was humbled by the answer
No matter how powerful or famous we become the matchless supremacy of God should make us humble.
(1) Dovid Baron, February 17, 2015 4:29 PM
And one of MJ's best friends and confidants was ...
... Rabbi Shmuely Boteach. Read about it in Rav Shmueli's writings, they spent much time together. He relayed the same message and tried to reign in some of the problematic behaviors that ulimately destroyed the king of pop.
Cheryl Horowitz, February 18, 2015 6:03 AM
Great answer that is short, very meaningful and right to the point!!!
I teach 2nd grade religious school at my shul. The boys have to wear a yarmulke in the building and the girls have to cover their heads when on the bimah. Every year I often get asked why boys or men have to wear a yarmulke/kipah. The next time that I am asked this question by my students, I will be sure to quote the "brilliant" answer that you had given to MJ. The older students and adults that I sometimes teach or work with would find your encounter with MJ, his question to you about a yarmulke, and your answer to be "Really cool!!" As for my thoughts..., there were not many words between you and MJ but I feel that you BOTH left a strong positive impression on each other. I enjoyed reading this story and I found it to be very informative for me, too!