Tefillin

What are Tefillin?

Tefillin are two small black boxes that are placed on the arm and head in Judaism. They are derived from 4 different verses in the Torah, two of which mention the exodus from Egypt, and 2 of which are in the well-known Shema Prayer. In fact, these four verses are written on small kosher parchment, rolled up, and kept inside the Tefillin boxes. The word Tefillin is related to the word for prayer (tefillah) but this is not what they are originally called in the Torah, and only came about later. The Tefillin are said to act as a physical and spiritual symbol that bind the head (representing thoughts) and arm, just opposite the heart (representing actions) together for the same purpose. Ancient Jewish sages explained that tefillin can assist in keeping one modest and righteous.

When are Tefillin worn?

Tefillin are word by adul males starting from the age of Bar Mitzvah. They are worn through the duration of the morning prayer Sharcharit except on the Tisha B’Av fast day when they are worn in the afternoon prayer. Additionally, they are not worn on Shabbat or during certain holidays. When they are referenced in the Torah they are called a “sign” the same as Shabbat and the holidays are called “signs” which would render them redundant. Tefillin are not worn in unclean environments, like in the rest room or someplace with a lot of trash or bad odors so as not to disrespect them.

How are Tefillin made?

Tefillin are made following an ancient tradition that has been passed down all of Jewish history. They must be made from the hide of a kosher animals with the intention that they will be used for tefillin the whole time. The Leather is first shaped into perfectly square boxes, hallowed out, so it can contain the parchment which must be written in the prescribed manner. The leather straps are also made from animal hide. Both the boxes and the straps are painted black and must remain black. The process is very delicates and the smallest imperfection or mistake can make the tefillin invalid.

How are Tefillin worn?

Tefillin not only made in a specific way, worn at specific times, but also must be worn in a specific way. The arm tefillin is placed on the lower bicep, with nothing coming between the leather and bare skin. Then the strap is wrapped down from the top of the forearm 7 times. Then it continues to be wrapped around the palm and lastly the fingers. The head Tefillin is placed on the front of the head, aligning with the hairline. The strap from the head Tefillin is wrapped around the head with the knot resting on the bottom of the back of the head near the hairline. Then the two ends of the straps drape over each should resting on the user’s chest. Some Jews say blessings individually over each Tefillin, while other Jews say one blessing for both.