Tefillin

A set of Tefillin

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Tefillin worn by a man at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

Asiatic captive depicted in Tomb of Horemheb in Saqqara

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Tefillin leather box

Phylactery (teffilin) case Brooklyn Museum open

Tefillin (Hebrew: תפילין), also called phylacteries, are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah. They are worn by observant Jewish men during weekday morning prayers. According to Jewish tradition, the practice of wearing Tefillin is mandated by the Torah, where it is mentioned in four different passages. These passages, known as the Tefillin texts, include excerpts from the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Biblical Origin

The commandment to wear Tefillin comes from four passages in the Torah, two from Exodus (Exodus 13:9, 13:16) and two from Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 6:8, 11:18). These passages speak of the obligation to bind these words as a sign upon the hand and between the eyes. The verses are taken literally by observant Jews as a commandment to wear Tefillin.

Components

Tefillin are comprised of two separate parts: the Tefillin Shel Yad (Hand Tefillin) and the Tefillin Shel Rosh (Head Tefillin). Each consists of a box with leather straps. The boxes contain scrolls of parchment, known as klaf, inscribed with the four Torah passages.

Tefillin Shel Yad

The Tefillin Shel Yad is tied to the arm, so that the box rests against the biceps and the strap is wrapped seven times around the forearm and hand. It symbolizes God's bringing the Israelites out of Egypt with a "mighty hand."

Tefillin Shel Rosh

The Tefillin Shel Rosh is placed on the head, above the forehead, so that the box sits just above the hairline in the center of the head. The knot of the head Tefillin rests at the back of the head, near the neck. It symbolizes God's sovereignty over the wearer's thoughts.

Manufacture

The making of Tefillin is a skilled craft that must be performed by a specially trained scribe, known as a sofer stam. The scribe carefully prepares the parchment from kosher animals and inscribes the texts with special ink. The boxes are made from the hides of kosher animals as well, and the straps are dyed black.

Significance

Wearing Tefillin is considered a mitzvah (commandment) of great significance. It serves as a physical reminder of God's presence and the obligation to serve Him with one's heart, soul, and might. The Tefillin are also seen as a sign of the bond between God and the Jewish people.

Laws and Customs

There are detailed laws and customs regarding the manufacture, writing, laying, and wearing of Tefillin. These include the position of the Tefillin on the body, the manner of wrapping the straps, and the times during which Tefillin should be worn. Generally, Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat and Jewish festivals, as these days are themselves considered "signs" which render the wearing of Tefillin redundant.

Contemporary Practice

Today, the practice of wearing Tefillin is observed by Orthodox Jewish men and, in some cases, by Conservative Jewish men. The practice is less common among Reform and Reconstructionist Jews. In recent years, there have been movements within some Jewish communities to encourage the observance of this mitzvah, including educational campaigns and free Tefillin distribution.