Quick viewing(Text Mode)

A How-To Guide

This Guide is published in memory of Jacob and Esther Safra kWz by Moise and Chella Safra A How-To Guide The Kushner International Bank The Seryl & Charles Kushner Famliy Foundation 816 Eastern Parkway , NY 11213 USA 1-888-4-TEFILLIN t: 718-221-0500 f: 718-221-0985 [email protected] www.Tefillinbank.com

A project of The Shul of Bal Harbor In conjunction with The Shluchim Office

www.shluchim.org A How-To Guide By DovBer Pinson

www.TefillinBank.com contents

Basics ...... 6 Quotes ...... 8 A Story ...... 10 Tefillin Explored ...... 11 Kabbalistic Insights ...... 14 How To put on Tefillin ...... 18 A Story ...... 21 The Shema ...... 22 Shema Yisroel ...... 23 Veahavta ...... 23 Vehaya ...... 24 Va’yomer ...... 25 Removing And Replacing The Tefillin ...... 26 Tefillin Upkeep ...... 27 Basic Laws Of Tefillin ...... 28 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 29 Quick Reference Chart ...... 31 6 basics basics tools wecall These arethepowerful spiritual arm” situatedagainst theheart. eyes,” andtheotherasa“sign onthe the headasa“reminder betweenthe chapters ofTorah, andplaceoneon and hearts.We takeinscriptionsof keep theTorah closetoourheads not onlyfigurativelybutliterallyto By thesewordswearecommanded (Deuteronomy 6:5–8) a reminder—betweenyoureyes.” hand, andtheyshallbefortotafos— them asanos—asignuponyour lie downandwhenyourise.Bind when youwalkontheroad, them whenyousitinyourhouseand oughly toyourchildren,andspeakof upon yourheart.Teach themthor- which Icommandyoutoday, shallbe with allyourmight.Thesewords, your heart,withallsoul,and “You shall loveG-dyourG-d,withall What areTefillin? Tefillin The Seryl &Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank . small compartments. Thesefour scroll andinserted inoneoffour head the fourTorah paragraphsinthe totafos for thehead it usesasingularterm, the describesthehand ence betweenthetwoboxes.When Here, however, thereisabasicdiffer- boxes. (),andinsertedinthe small parchmentsbyaprofessional These arecarefullyhand-writtenon and 11:13–21. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 13:1–10 and13:11–16, and mand towearthe of theTorah thatmentionthecom- boxes containsthefourparagraphs their respectiveplaces.Eachofthese with strapsattachedtoholdthemin shel ( ( leather boxes—the Tefillin Tefillin Tefillin consist oftwocube-shaped (remember). Thus,eachof of thehead)and Tefillin is writtenonits own Tefillin of thehand)—each Tefillin , itusesaplural, Tefillin os : (sign); but Exodus shel rosh Tefillin Tefillin , basics compartments are carefully pressed together to maintain the cube-like shape of the Tefillin. By con- trast, in the hand Tefillin, all four sections are inscribed on a single scroll which is placed in one compartment. We place the hand Tefillin upon the left arm so that it rests near the heart, and the head Tefillin above the forehead, “between (and above) the eyes,” so it 1 2 rests against the skull near the brain. Thus, one’s mind, heart, and actions are all aligned and unified toward Heaven.

Tefillin Images 1. Tefillin Shel Rosh 5. Retzuos Straps Head Tefillin (Batim) 6. 345 2. Tefillin Shel Yad the letter Shin Hand Tefillin (Batim) (On the Head Tefillin) 3. Titura 7. Kesher - knot The wider base The head knot as the image of a 4. Ma’abarta The opening through 8. Kesher - knot which the straps The hand knot as the pass through image of a Yud 678

Tefillin How-To Guide 7 quotes Quotes from the , said: Is it not written, “Rejoice with trembling”?6 Replied Abbaye, “I am , and Classic wearing Tefillin.” 7 Torah sources “We deeply desire to toil in Torah day Tefillin are the strength of Israel,1 and night, but we simply do not have and they are called “the glory of the time,” say the people of Israel. Israel.”2 G-d’s response is: “Keep the of Tefillin, and I will consider it as if you “All of the people of the world shall have studied Torah day and night.” 8 see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they shall be afraid of That which G-d commands, He you.” 3 This, says R. Eliezer the Great, Himself does as well; [thus, just as refers to the Tefillin of the head.4 He commands that we put on Tefillin, so too] G-d puts on Tefillin. When asked in what merit he was And what is written in G-d’s Tefillin? worthy to have lived a long life, “Who9 is like Your people Israel, a Adda replied, “I have always worn nation unique on earth.”10 Tefillin.” 5 The commentators explain: Just as Once, the celebrated sage Abbaye our donning Tefillin displays our was sitting [in study] before his continuous desire to cleave to G-d teacher Rabbah, who observed that and to come closer to Him, so too he seemed very merry. [Rabbah] the image of G-d putting on Tefillin

1. Talmud, Berachos 6a. 5. Talmud, Taanis 20b. 9. Chronicles I 17:21. 2. Sukkah 25a. 6. 2:11. 10. Talmud, Berachos 6a.

quotes 3. Deuteronomy 28:10. 7. Talmud, Berachos 30b. 4. Talmud, Berachos 6a. 8. Midrash Tehillim 1.

8 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank quotes reflects His deep desire to be one not allow such forces to attach that protects the from all with us, in keeping with the verse,11 themselves to him.17 harm. Just as the Torah is divided “I am my beloved’s and my beloved into written and oral components, When our forefather Yaakov (Jacob) is mine.”12 so too there are the head Tefillin, was wrestling with the angelic spir- corresponding to the written Once a person puts on Tefillin, the it of Esav (Esau), and the angel dimension of the Torah, and the status of his physical body is forev- became aware of Yaakov’s Tefillin, hand Tefillin, which are analogous er changed.13 he became afraid and backed off.18 to its oral aspect.21 Tefillin are strapped to the body as One who puts on Tefillin, wears One who leaves home wrapped in a precious jewel is held near to , reads the Shema, and prays, a tallis, with Tefillin upon his head oneself.14 is guaranteed a portion in the and on his arm — the Divine pres- World to Come; lives a long life; all Moshe (Moses) was shown the knot ence rests upon his head, and two his untoward actions will be forgiv- of G-d’s Tefillin.15 This means that angels come to accompany him, en; and he will be protected from Moshe was shown (as a visual one to his right and one to his all cleansing punishment in the image the procedure and method left.22 afterlife.19 of) how to put on Tefillin.16 If one is careful in putting on All destructive forces disperse When one has committed negative Tefillin each day, it is as if he has before a person who is crowned acts which should (by the spiritual fulfilled all six hundred and thir- with Tefillin, and lack the strength laws of cause and effect) result in teen mitzvot. 23 to approach him.20 negative consequences, the mitz- A person who walks about holding vah of Tefillin can protect him, and Tefillin, like the Torah, is the sword something precious in his hands is

11. 6:3. 14. Commentary of Rashba to Menachos, loc. cit. 20. Reishis Chochmah. 12. Commentary of Maharsha to Berachos loc. cit. 17. , Tikkunim. 21. Haamek Davar, . Berachos loc. cit. 15. Talmud, Menachos 35b. 18. Meam Loez, Ekev. 22. Zohar III:301a. 13. See Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 17a. 16. Commentary of Rav to 19. Tur, Orach Chaim 37. 23. Reishis Chochmah.

Tefillin How-To Guide 9 quotes

constantly watchful and afraid of the positive is to draw down Divine being robbed; however, one who light into our actions, and the pur- a story wears Tefillin has nothing to fear, as pose of the negative is to allow for On a wing and a prayer 24 the seal of the King is upon him. an elevation of even the dense lev- Under the heel of the ruthless els of the seemingly unholy. When Roman Empire, the wearing of The holiness of Tefillin is magnifi- we proactively put on Tefillin, Tefillin was banned on pain of cent, for a person wearing Tefillin is doing the positive mitzvah of plac- death. Rabbi Elisha, a leader in awakened to humility and awe of ing the hand Tefillin on the weak- ancient Israel, ignored the threat, G-d. He will not be persuaded est arm (a man’s weakest side, usu- even wearing them in the street toward callousness or to idle talk. as was done in that age. ally the left, symbolizes negativity), His mind will not drift to negative and placing the head Tefillin open- Turning a corner, he suddenly thoughts, but rather his heart will ly on the head for all to see, we ele- came face-to-face with a Roman be oriented toward words of truth vate even the ‘left’ and the ‘outside’ soldier, who cried, “Halt! What and righteousness.25 to G-d.” do you wear upon your head?” The rabbi spun and fled, whisk- When one is garbed in tallis and —The Rebbe28 ing the Tefillin from his head and Tefillin, a heavenly voice rings out, concealing them in his hands. “Give honor to the one who has the image of the King upon his head.” 26 The soldier soon caught him. “What is in your hands?” he “The entire Torah is likened to barked. “Bird’s wings,” replied Tefillin.”27 “Tefillin encompasses the rabbi. “Show me!” Praying both the value of a positive com- silently, the rabbi turned his hands out... to reveal bird’s mandment and the value of a neg- wings. The soldier stalked off, ative commandment. The aim of disappointed, as the rabbi thrust his hands to heaven in grateful 24. Midrash. Akeidas Yitzchak 90. 27. Talmud, Kedushin 35a. prayer. 25. Rambam, Laws of Tefillin 4:25. 28. The . Likutei Sichos 5. (Talmud Shabbas 130a) 26. Meam Loez, Ekev.

10 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank Tefillin explored

“You shall love G-d, your G-d, with all Notice, too, that the word Tefillin your heart, with all your soul, and resembles the word tefillah, prayer. with all your might. These words, The shared root reflects their mutual which I command you today, shall be purpose in connecting with G-d. In upon your heart… Bind them as an ‘os’ fact, Tefillin may be worn the entire – a sign – upon your hand, and they day, but customarily for hundreds of shall be for ‘totofos’ – a reminder – years one dons Tefillin primarily dur- between your eyes.” ing the morning prayers. (Deuteronomy 6:5–8) CREATION–THE SUPREME ACT OF TEFILLIN–DERIVATION OF A GOD’S LOVE SACRED WORD Of the ways in which the Torah The term “Tefillin,” the classical word describes our relationship with the for the “signs” bound on hand and Creator, among the most exalted is head, is often mistranslated as “phy- the intimacy of bride and groom. lacteries,” inferring that they are primitive . To the contrary, G-d is ultimate, seamless, Oneness – Tefillin serve to bond and dedicate the perfect state of being. He lacks mind, heart, and deeds to G-d. nothing. Yet, from on high, He craves a relationship with an “other,” Hence, the word Tefillin is likely a being outside His Oneness, a derived from the Hebrew pelili, “indi- Creation that will appreciate a world cation,” for the Tefillin indicate a pres- of finite perceptions: time and space ence of the Divine as they rest upon and matter and bodies. us. Likewise, Tefillin is related to the Hebrew tofel, connection, a oneness As G-d brings forth Creation, He has explored between the Divine and Man. performed the greatest act of love –

Tefillin How-To Guide 11 Tefillin explored

He is the Groom supreme. Creation work on relationships, continuous- is His bride. They are connected This is the foundation of ly renewing them, they become through a vast contraction and con- Creation; G-d’s love and stale, boring, and something of the cealment of His infinite light. His desire to give to the past. Relationships that begin with great passion will fade if not rekin- This is the foundation of Creation; finite creatures who can dled. G-d’s love and His desire to give to receive His love... the finite creatures who can receive Thus, we put on Tefillin, taking the His love. Without the infinite G-d’s words, “You shall love your G-d… desire to contract and conceal His own “Creation” of love. and bind[ing] them as a sign on light, the material of Creation Recognizing this concealment [our] hand.” In this way, we loving- would never have come to be, for it achieves the purpose of Creation. ly bind ourselves anew each day to would have been superfluous. We attain it on our own. It is not our Beloved, so that even from our merely “shameful bread,” that is, a time-bound perspective our rela- DIVINE LOVE—STEPPING BACK revelation that is offered to us, but tionship is reinvigorated as a living AND GIVING THE FINITE WORLD a state of consciousness (“bread”) truth in that moment. Indeed, we ITS SPACE that we have earned. tie this sign on our “weaker hand” The greatest act of love is to stand expressing a commitment that per- back, allowing an “other” to have TEFILLIN—A SYMBOL OF GOD’S meates our entire being and space. G-d did and does exactly SUPREME ACT OF LOVE actions, even those parts of self this, contracting His infinite light G-d’s love is infinite, unconditional that seem lacking of spiritual to allow for the Creation and exist- and boundless – no yesterday, strength and resolve. ence of a finite world. today, or tomorrow; nothing grows old, including His love. We, as TEFILLIN—SACRED SYMBOLISM We are created beings. When we finite beings, need constantly to be IN ITS BINDING discover G-d’s light and Oneness reminded of this love. In our world When we bind the hand Tefillin, we hidden in Creation, we find our of time and space, if we do not wrap the strap twice around the

12 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank Tefillin explored biceps, and then around the arm TEFILLIN—THE NAME OF G-D IS This is the essence of G-d’s love for seven times. These seven windings CALLED UPON YOU us: By creating us imperfect, G-d are a reminder of the seven times “’All the people of the world shall allows finite beings to imitate Him, the bride encircles her groom and see that the name of G-d is called the ultimate Source of perfection, the seven blessings offered to the upon you’ (Deut. 28:10). This refers and create perfection in our own bride and groom under the chup- to the Tefillin of the head.” modest way. When we do, we pah, the marriage canopy. — Talmud, Berachos 6a. appreciate what we earn. The reward is the pleasure we receive, Finally, the strap of the hand The name of G-d is called upon us that of being “creators,” not merely Tefillin is wrapped three times as we wear the Tefillin. “recipients.” around the middle finger, resem- bling a ring of threefold perma- One particularly exalted name of G-d’s cry of “Dai!” (“Enough!”) at nence. G-d is Shaddai, comprised of the the critical moment of creation, three Hebrew letters shin, dalet, ordaining us as His partners in Having bound ourselves symboli- and yud. Shaddai is derived from bringing on the world’s perfection, cally to G-d in love and commit- dai, “enough.” The Midrash relates becomes an expression of love ment, we gently place a crown that as G-d created the universe, it through our Tefillin. Our Tefillin upon our heads – the head Tefillin. expanded toward perfection – until spell out the holy name Shaddai, Situated atop the skull over the He declared, “Enough! Stop!” God’s shin, dalet, and yud: shin on the brain, the head Tefillin represents a intent, thus, was not that He cre- bayis (box) of the head Tefillin, “space” beyond mind and before ates perfection but that we who dalet as the knot of the head Creation – the loftiest cosmic are “imperfect” should perpetually Tefillin, and yud as the knot of the desire, the most expansive purpose strive toward creating perfection, hand Tefillin. of all Creation. This is the Divine an endless task always in a state of desire to create a world in which becoming. G-dliness should become manifest.

Tefillin How-To Guide 13 14 kabbalistic insights makkifim “deep.” Theoutertwo levelsare Hence, the letters. surrounds theblackinkofholy . Theparchment,inturn, spiritual realm.Theboxhouses the The tangible other thatisboundtothearm. one whichencircletheheadand scroll. Strapshangfromtheboxes, taining allfourchaptersonone Tefillin inscribed withitschapter. Thehand taining fourindividualscrolls,each four separatecompartmentscon- The head four chaptersfromtheTorah. upon theparchmentis/areinscribed box residestheparchment,and batim), aboxorhouse.Within the Each ofthe CANCE OFTHEBOXES TEFILLIN—A DEEPERSIGNIFI- has onecompartmentcon- , surroundingforces. The Tefillin Tefillin Tefillin Tefillin The Seryl &Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank is comprisedof are threelevels is abayis(pl., also infertheir the sevenemotions: or are collectivelycalled and binah Chochmah seven emotionalattributes. three levelsofintellectandthe the into theworld,emergeinorder: through whichDivineenergyflows The tensefiros,theemanations The Ten Sefiros most reality. internal truth,apenimi,aninner- Torah, itself.ItisDivineintellect, the wearer. Theactualscriptis to theletters,like“clothes” thatgarb mate surroundingincloseproximity also a ment encompassingthelettersis person dwellingtherein.Theparch- rounding, asahomesurroundsthe makkif ha-rochok outermost container, thebayisisa albeit a seichel daas (understanding orcognition), makkif akfha-korov makkif (knowledge orawareness) (intellect). These generate (wisdom orintuition), , asurroundingforce, – adistantsur- chesed mochin – aninti- (kind- (mind) kabbalistic insights ness), gevurah (restraint), tiferes our knowledge (daas) to implement (harmony), netzach (ambition), hod “We put on Tefillin with our understanding. (devotion), yesod (connection), and the intention to draw Daas affords us the ability to make malchus (receptiveness).) down our purpose and choices. It ensures that whatever TEFILLIN—A SYMBOL OF THE the revelation of the we understand does not remain DIVINE EMANATIONS mochin into our reality...” purely intellectual. Rather, it influ- The bayis (“house”) of the head ences our emotions and informs Tefillin symbolizes the most tran- our behavior. Since choice emerges scendent makkif (“surrounding from daas, it is divided into a right- sided quality, chesed (love and giv- force”) – the loftiest, yet most pen- instruct and guide us on how to etrating desire. It crowns and sur- ing), and a left-sided one, gevurah live individual lives and pursue col- (strength and restraint). rounds the head. It represents the lective purpose. desire and purpose of Creation. Being that choices occur in daas, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TWO From it, a flow descends into the and daas itself can be subdivided “SHIN’S” parchment, and then into the writ- into a right-side or left-side quality, ten word, the Divine intelligence of On each side of the head Tefillin is thus the three levels within the Torah. It is dyed black, because inscribed the letter shin, one with mochin are actually four, hence, it represents the “darkest” level, three arms and the other with four. the head Tefillin also bears a four- beyond “comprehension,” which is The shin alludes to seichel, intellect, pronged shin and four divisions called the space for “the light of and its three arms represent within its bayis. darkness.” chochmah, binah, and daas: First, a thought comes to mind (chochmah). Emotional Universe This bayis contains chapters of Then, with the faculty of cognition The lower seven emotional emana- Torah that represent intellect (binah), we comprehend and deci- tions, symbolized in the seven (chochmah, binah, and daas). These pher the thought. Finally, we use windings of the arm Tefillin, enable

Tefillin How-To Guide 15 kabbalistic insights

draw down kesser and mochin into As one reaches the age of thirteen... his powers of our selves, until the truth of this higher revealed reality infuses our intellect are transformed into reality through emotions, way of being and acting. until the truth of this higher revealed reality infuses his way of being and acting. From the boxes and the scroll con- tained within – flow the straps, first surrounding our heads, then Creation to occur. Indeed, the until the truth of this higher tied in a knot the shape of a dalet seven-day cycle of Creation reflects revealed reality infuses his way of for the word daas, and from the the seven emanations, each day being and acting. reality of daas flow the two straps: representing another sefirah. one to the right and one to the TEFILLIN—DRAWING THE INTEL- left, representing the general flow So we typically live out our days. LECTUAL EMANATIONS INTO of the emotional attributes of Reality is primarily based on emo- OUR REALITY chesed (love and giving) to the tion, bringing people to live reac- Rarely does one find a life driven right-side, and gevurah (strength tively, manifested through their solely by clarity of thought. In and restraint) on the left. Thus the emotional composition. Kabbalistic terms, this is because right strap hangs lower then the left, for we wish to draw down THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TEFILLIN kesser, Divine intellect, and mochin, more chesed then gevurah. In truth, AT AGE THIRTEEN the collective intellect of chochmah, binah, and daas, tran- chesed and gevurah emanate from As one reaches the age of thirteen, scend the world. Ones earthly pur- the same “space,” the transcenden- his mind has presumably devel- pose and the means of attaining it, tal knot interweaving both these oped sufficiently to grasp the sense thus, are not apparent; they need elements, rooted in the deepest of his life’s purpose. Thus, his pow- to be revealed. The act and inten- place of kesser, the “black,” the ers of intellect are transformed tion of putting on Tefillin is to level beyond comprehension which into reality through emotions, is called the space for “the light of

16 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank kabbalistic insights darkness.” Nevertheless, we seek to unfitting, he will shatter the ves- three levels of intellect; seven draw chesed into dominant revela- sels. This is why, before one dons windings on the forearm aligned tion. the head Tefillin, he wraps the with the seven emotions; three hand Tefillin. times around the middle finger, In daas is the key to our emotions, reflecting the world of doing and so that they open and flow in the HAND TEFILLIN—THE DIVINE action. general direction of either right or EMANATIONS UNITE left, giving or restraining, openness While the bayis of the head Tefillin As the hand Tefillin is properly or confinement. The straps repre- represents kesser (Divine intellect), bound, it metaphysically binds sent a flow “downward,” and the bayis of the hand Tefillin signi- ones reality in total dedication. though their “source” (made of fies malchus (kingship; receptive- Then, the head Tefillin draws a leather) is the same as the parch- ness). Malchus is the recipient of all more profound measure of mochin ment – the makif beyond letters nine other Divine emanations. from a world of perfect unity, and comprehension – they must ensuring a wonderful alignment be colored with the “darkness” of Hence, the nine levels originate “on among our deepest levels of soul, black dye, reflecting a descent high” by being housed in separate mind, emotions, and actions. below. They represent the highest compartments of the head Tefillin. level of kesser (the “black”) project- As they arrive at the recipient, sym- ed into the lowest and densest of bolized by the hand Tefillin, emana- vessels. tions have come to be so united that they all reside together in a Before one may draw upon this single dwelling. transcendent level of kesser and mochin, he needs ensure that his The hand Tefillin in itself is testa- own vessels are prepared to absorb ment to all of the Divine emana- their flow. If he draws down kesser tions: the bayis and two windings and mochin, and the vessels are on the biceps corresponding to the

Tefillin How-To Guide 17 18 how-to how-to putonTefillin 2 1 3 that the from beingworn away.) ing protectsthecorners oftheTefillin round holeinits top. place theinnercasingthathasa left sideofthebag.) below, thenthehandTefillin willbeonthe Tefillin intheirbagthemannerexplained hand. Tefillin ed, rollupyourrightsleeveinstead.) ly onthearm.(Ifyouareleft-hand- Fig. 3 rolling upyourleftsleeve,so Begin bystandingupand protective case(3),butleavein Remove the table, andtakeoutthehand Place the (If youwrappedandreplacedthe from thebagwithyourright Tefillin Tefillin The Seryl &Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank can beplaceddirect- Tefillin bag onthe (This innercas- from its directly againsttheheart(4b): on thebiceps,adjustedsoitrests (4a), andplacetheboxof are left-handed)throughtheloop left hand(oryourrighthand,ifyou strap passes)towardsyou,placeyour (the openingthroughwhichthe 4 Fig. 4b Fig. 4a right hand,withthema’abarta Holding the Tefillin with your Tefillin how-to

Before tightening the strap, 5 recite the blessing: 7a (Transliteration) Baruch Atah Ado-nay 7b E-loheinu Melech Ha’olam, Asher

Kidshanu Bemitzvosav Vetzivanu Fig. 9 Lehaniach Tefillin. Fig. 7 Kl¤ n Epid÷ -` ii dY ` KExA¨ Now wrap the strap one time ‡ from the body) (7a) and then back eiz eŸ v§ n A§ Epy C w xy ` ml¨ erŸ d underneath. These two windings will 9 around your palm, leaving the ‡ ‡ go over the ma’abarta, the extended remainder loose for now (9). .oil¦ t¦ Y gi p d l§ EpE v¦ e base of the hand Tefillin (7b): Take the head Tefillin from (Translation) Blessed are You, L-rd our Continue wrapping the strap 10 the bag with your right hand, G-d, King of the universe, who has 8 in the same direction, seven and remove its protective case 10). sanctified us with His command- more times around your arm, as ments, and commanded us to put on follows: First a half turn (8a), then Tefillin. two full turns (8b), then another While putting on the Tefillin, four turns (8c – separated from the 6 remain focused – don’t talk or previous turns by a wider space), even gesture. Meditate on binding and finally another half turn (8d). your mind, heart, and actions to G-d. Fig. 10 Now tighten the strap, being Place the head Tefillin right careful that the knot remains 7 11 above your forehead (11a), in contact with the box. Continue 8a centering the box so that it lies at a with two more windings around 8b 8c point that is directly between the the biceps, each over the arm (away 8d Fig. 8

Tefillin How-To Guide 19 how-to

eyes (11b). Be sure that the lower While fastening the head Now take the remaining edge of the box does not fall below 12 Tefillin, ensure that the back 13 strap of the hand Tefillin in the place of the hair roots (12b). (If knot rests at the base of the skull, your right hand, and wrap it three your hairline is receding, place the just above the neck (12a). times around your middle finger. lower edge of the box along your Begin with one turn around the former hairline.) lower base (phalanx), then one just If, for any reason, an interruption above the first joint (the middle was made between the blessing on phalanx) (13a), then once again the hand Tefillin and putting on Fig. 11a around the base (13b). If there is the head Tefillin, the following any length left over, wrap it around blessing should be recited; other- your palm and tuck in the tail end. wise continue with step #13.

(Transliteration) Baruch Atah Ado-nay Fig. 13a E-loheinu Melech Ha’olam Asher Kidshanu Bemitzvosav Vetzivanu Al Fig. 11b Mitzvas Tefillin. Kl¤ n Epid÷ -` ii dY ` KExA¨ ‡ eiz eŸ v§ n A§ Epy C w xy ` ml¨ erŸ d ‡ ‡ .oili¦ t¦ Y ze v§ n lr© EpE v¦ e Fig. 13b

Fig. 12a Fig. 12b (Translation) Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His com- mandments, and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of Tefillin.

20 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank story Throughout the process of don- a story The Ancient Innkeeper 14 ning the Tefillin, make sure that They asked him how old he was, but This was what Zusia had been wait- the straps (of both the hand and head he could not answer. His regulars ing for. He immediately took the Tefillin) are black side out. claimed he had been attending to innkeeper’s Tefillin, cut the thread of this inn since their fathers were chil- calf’s sinew that held the boxes BASIC INTENTION WHILE dren – and even then he was not a together and pried them open. young man. PUTTING ON TEFILLIN “Empty,” he pronounced. So the two holy brothers, Zusia and The innkeeper grabbed the opened When a person puts on Tefillin, he Elimelech, sat at a table to rest. Then, encasements to see for himself. No without warning, Zusia’s hand came should have in mind that the Holy One, scrolls, not even a trace of scrolls. He down on the table with full force. blessed be He, commanded us to write had spent seventy years on this earth the four portions of Torah, placed within “You know, my brother Elimelech, I and never once fulfilled the precious should be ashamed of myself. I’ve mitzvah of Tefillin. the Tefillin, which speak of the unity of gone so many years without ever Tears rolled down his cheeks. “All His name and of out of once checking the scrolls inside my these years of sorrow and loneli- Tefillin!” . We will thus remember the mira- ness,” he sobbed, “only so I should cles and wonders He did for us, which Elimelech winked. Then he roared, not depart this world without this display His unity and His ability to rule “How could you do such a thing? mitzvah.” How do you know that they are “Go immerse in the river,” Elimelech and to do as He wills above and below. kosher at all?” told his holy brother, “and then write He has commanded us to place the Reb Zusia hung his head and sobbed scrolls of such mystic power that Tefillin on the arm near the heart, and while his brother drove on in his they may make up for all the years on the head above the brain, so that we tirade. The ancient innkeeper stood lost.” by and listened. Eventually, he gath- The innkeeper wore those Tefillin submit our soul, which is one with the ered the fortitude to speak mind, as well as the desires and maybe once, maybe twice. Shortly “Esteemed , I have also never after, he departed this world in thoughts of our heart, to His service. By checked my Tefillin – not even once. peace. Perhaps while you are checking your putting on the Tefillin, we will be mind- From Chassidic Tales own, please could you check mine as by Rabbi S.Y. Zevin ful of the Creator and thus curb our per- well.” sonal, ego-based pleasures.

Tefillin How-To Guide 21 the shema ml¨ erŸ d Kl¤ n Epid÷ -` ii dY ` KExA¨ Today, in general, the Tefillin are ‡ ‡ worn during the morning prayers. oz© ¨pemin ©rdl¨MnEp Ax ©gA¨ xy ` Nevertheless, the wearing of Tefillin is ii dY ` KExA¨ ezxeYŸ z` Ep¨l ‡ ‡ a mitzvah all its own, which stands :d¨xeYdŸ ozepŸ independent of the prayer service. Thus, even if one is unable to recite (Translation) Blessed are You, L-rd our the entire morning prayers while G-d, King of the universe, who has wearing Tefillin, he should at least try chosen us from among all the to recite the Shema, the essential nations, and given us His Torah. prayer declaring G-d’s unity, which Blessed are You, L-rd, who gives the also includes the command to don the Torah. Tefillin. In preparation for prayer, it is Order of Saying the Shema 2 customary to make the follow- Before saying words of Torah ing declaration: 1 for the first time each day, (Transliteration) Hareini Mekabel Alai recite the following blessing: Mitzvas Asei Shel Ve’ahavta Lerei’achah Kamocha. (Transliteration) Baruch Atah Ado-nay E-loheinu Melech Ha’olam Asher lW dU r£ ze v§ n il© r¨ lA¥ w n ipi x d Bachar Banu Mikol Ha’amim Venasan Lanu Es Toraso. Baruch Atah :LFnM¨ Lr£ x l§ Y a§ d ` e Ado-nay Nosein HaTorah. (Translation) I hereby accept upon myself the positive Mitzvah, “To love your neighbor as yourself.” the shema

22 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank the shema

The Shema should be recited :cg« ` | i i Epid÷« -` i i l`« x U i rn W 3 aloud with intention and con- centration, without interruption, :cr¤« e mlFr¨« l§ FzEk« l§ n cFaM§ mW KExA¨« and in a manner that you under- * * - stand. Now say the Shema: L« W t§ pÎl k¨« aE§ L« a§ a¨ lÎl§ k¨ A§ Lid÷« ` ii z` Y« a§ d ` e * * Shema Yisroel: xW ` dN¤ `« d mi«xa¨ C d Ei« d e :Lc« `Ÿ nÎl k¨« aE§ (Transliteration) Shema Yisroel Y« x A© c e Lip« a¨ l§ mY« p P W e :La¤« a¨ lÎl§ r© mFI« d L« E* v© n ik¦« pŸ ` Ado-nay E-loheinu Ado-nay * * * Echad. L« A§ k§ W §aE Kx C« a© LY k§ l¤ aE§ Lzi« a¥ A§ L« Ya§ W A§ mA¨ * * Boruch Shem Kevod Malchuso oiA¥ ztŸ« h hŸ l§ Ei« d e Lc« iÎl r© zF`l§ mY« x W wE :LnEw« aE§ Le’olam Va’ed. :Lix« r¨ W* aE¦ Lzi« A¥ zFf« f nÎl r© mY« a§ z kE*§ :Lipi« r¥ V’ahavta es Ado-nai E-lohecha, bechol levavcha, uvechol nafshecha, uvechol me’odecha. Vehayu hadevarim (Translation) Hear, 0 Israel, the your children, and speak of them ha’eileh, asher anochi metzavcha L-rd is our G-d, the L-rd is when you sit in your house and hayom, al levavecha. Veshinantam One. when you walk on the road, when levanecha vedibarta bam, beshivtecha you lie down and when you rise. Blessed be the name of the glory of beveisecha uvelech’techa vaderech, Bind them as a sign upon your His kingdom forever and ever. uveshoch’becha uvkumecha. hand (when saying these words, gently Ukeshartam le’os al yadecha (when You shall love the L-rd, your G-d, touch your hand Tefillin and kiss your hand), saying these words, gently touch your hand with all your heart, with all your and they shall be for a reminder Tefillin and kiss your hand), vehayu letotafos soul, and with all your might. between your eyes (when saying these bein einecha (when saying these words, These words, which I command words, gently touch your head Tefillin and gently touch your head Tefillin and kiss your you today, shall be upon your kiss your hand). Write them upon the hand). Uchsavtam al mezuzos beisecha, heart. Teach them thoroughly to doorposts of your house and upon uvishe’arecha. your gates.

Tefillin How-To Guide 23 the shema: vehaya

m¤kz` dE©vn i¦kŸp` xW` izF§vn l` ErnWY ©rŸnW m` dide hashamayim velo yihiyeh matar vehadamah lo sitein es yevulah, l¨k§aE m¤k§a©a§l l¨k§A Fc§a¨r§lE m¤kid«÷` ii z` d¨ad`§l mFId va’avaditem meheirah me’al Lpbc Y§tq«`e WFw§lnE dxFi FY¦r§A m¤k§vx` x«hn iYz«pe .m¤kW§tp ha’aretz hatovah asher Ado-nai .Y§r«¨aUe Y§l©k«`e LYnd§a¦l Lc«U§A aU¥r iYz«pe .L«xd§vie LW«xize nosein lachem. Vesamtem es devarai mid÷` mYc©a£re mYxqe m¤k§a©a§l dY§ti o¤R m¤k¨l Exn«Wd eileh al l’vavechem ve’al x©v¨re m¤k¨A ii s` dxge .md¨l mziegYWde mixg` nafshechem, ukeshartam osam le’os al yed’chem (when saying these words, D¨lEai z` oYz `÷ dnc`de xhn didi `÷e minW d z` gently touch your hand Tefillin and kiss your mYnUe :m¤k¨l ozŸp ii xW` d¨aŸHd ux`d l©rn dxdn mYc©a`e hand), vehayu letotafos bein zF`§l mzŸ` mYxWwE m¤kW§tp l©re m¤k§a©a§l l©r d¤N` ix¨aC z` eineichem (when saying these words, z` mzŸ` mYcO¦le :m¤kipi¥r oi¥A zŸthFh§l Eide m¤kci l©r gently touch your head Tefillin and kiss your hand). Velimaditem osam es L§A§kW§aE KxC©a LY§k¤l§aE Lzi¥a§A LY§aW§A m¨A x¥Ac§l m¤kip§A beneichem ledaber bam, beshivtecha EAxi o©rn§l :Li«x¨rW¦aE Lzi¥A zFfEfn l©r mY§az§kE :L«nEw§aE beveisecha uvelechtecha vaderech zz¨l m¤kiz«Ÿa`©l ii r©AWp xW` dnc`«d l©r m¤kip§a inie m¤kini uveshochbecha uvekumecha. :ux«`d l©r minWd ini¦M md¨l Uchesavtam al mezuzos beisecha uvishe’arecha. Lema’an yirbu yemeichem vimei veneichem al Vehaya: ve’asafta deganecha, vesirosh’cha ha’adamah asher nishba Ado-nai (Transliteration) Vehaya im shamo’a vyitz’harecha. Venasati eisev la’avoseichem laseis lahem, kimei tishme’u el mitzvosai, asher anochi besadcha livhemtecha, ve’achalta hashamayim al ha’aretz. metzaveh es’chem hayom, le’ahavah vesavata. Hishamru lachem pen es Ado-nai E-lo-heichem ule’ovdo, yifteh l’vavchem, vesartem (Translation) This is what will be, if bechol levavchem uvechol va’avaditem elohim acheirim you will diligently obey My com- nafshechem. Venasati m’tar vehishtachavisem lahem. Vecharah mandments which I enjoin upon artzechem be’ito yoreh umalkosh, af Ado-nai bachem, ve’atzar es you this day, to love the L-rd your

24 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank the shema: va’yomer

G-d and to serve Him with all your Yxn«`e l`xUi ip§A l` x¥AC :x«Ÿn`¥N dWŸn l` ii xn`ŸIe heart and with all your soul: I will Epz«pe mzŸx«Ÿc§l mdicb¦a i¥tp©M l©r z¦vi¦v md¨l EU¨re :md¥l` give rain for your land at the prop- er time, the early rain and the late FzŸ` mzi`xE z¦vi¦v§l m¤k¨l dide .z¤l«¥kY liz§R sp¨Md z¦vi¦v l©r rain, and you will gather in your ixg«` ExEzz `÷e mzŸ` mziU£r«e ii zF§vn l¨M z` mYx©kfE grain, your wine, and your oil; I will Ex§MfY o©rn§l :m«dixg` mipŸf mY` xW` m¤kipi¥r ixg«`e m¤k§a©a§l give grass in your fields for your ii ip ` :m«¤kid«÷`¥l miyŸcw mziide izF§vn l¨M z` mziU£re cattle, and you will eat and be m¤k¨l zFid¦l mix§vn ux`n m¤kz` iz`¥vFd xW` m¤kid«÷` sated. Take care lest your heart be lured away, and you turn astray zn` :m¤kid÷` ii ip` mid÷`¥l and worship alien gods and bow down to them; for then the L-rd’s to your children, to speak of them ve’amarta aleihem ve’asu lahem wrath will flare up against you, and when you sit in your house, when tzitzis al kanfei vigdeihem He will close the heavens so that you walk on the road, when you lie ledorosam, venasnu al tzitzis there will be no rain and the earth down and when you rise; and write hakanaf pesil techeiles. Vehaya will not yield its produce, and you them on the doorposts of your lachem letzitzis, ure’isem oso, will swiftly perish from the good house and on your gates — so that uzechartem es kol mitzvos Ado-nai land which the L-rd gives you. your days and the days of your chil- va’asisem osam, velo sasuru acharei Therefore, place these words of dren may be prolonged on the land levavechem ve’acharei eineichem Mine upon your heart and upon which the L-rd swore to your asher atem zonim achareihem. your soul; bind them for a sign on fathers to give to them, for as long Lema’an tizkeru ve’asisem es kol your hand (when saying these words, gen- tly touch your hand Tefillin and kiss your as the heavens are above the earth. mitzvosai, viheyisem kedoshim le’- hand), and they shall be for a Va’yomer: loheichem. Ani Ado-nai E’lohechem, asher hotzeisi es’chem mei’eretz reminder between your eyes (when (Transliteration) Va’yomer Ado-nai el mitzrayim lihiyos lachem le’lohim, saying these words, gently touch your head Moshe leimor. Daber el benei Yisroel Tefillin and kiss your hand); teach them Ani Ado-nai E-loheichem. Emes.

Tefillin How-To Guide 25 removing & replacing your Tefillin

(Translation) The L-rd spoke to Before removing the Tefillin, Fig. 1 Moses, saying: Speak to the chil- 4 many have the custom to dren of Israel and tell them to recite the following verse: make for themselves fringes on the (Transliteration) Ach tzadikim yodu corners of their garments through- lishemecha yeishvu yesharim es out their generations, and to attach panecha. a thread of on the fringe of each corner. They shall be to you as Remove the head Tefillin with tzitzis. You shall look upon them EaW i Ln W l¦ EcFi miwi C v© K` your left hand (if you are left- and remember all the command- 2 :Lip« RÎz¨ ` mix W i handed, with your right hand). ments of the L-rd and fulfill them, and not follow after your heart and (Translation) Indeed, the righteous Put the head Tefillin in its after your eyes by which you go will extol Your Name; the upright 3 proctective case, and wrap the astray, so that you may remember will dwell in Your presence. straps around the case. and fulfill all My commandments, It is customary to put the head and be holy to your G-d. I am the Tefillin in the right side of the L-rd your G-d who brought you out Removing and 4 Tefillin bag (regardless of whether of the land of Egypt to be your G-d; Replacing the Tefillin: you are left- or right-handed). I, the L-rd, am your G-d. True. After you have finished the Unwind the strap from around 1 prayers, unwrap the Tefillin, 5 the arm, starting from the reversing the order in which you hand and working your way up the wrapped them. First, in a standing arm. Then gently take off the hand position, unwind the strap from Tefillin. around the middle finger (1), and rewind it around the palm.

26 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank Tefillin upkeep Put the hand Tefillin in its pro- Tefillin Upkeep Since Tefillin are made of leather, 6 tective case (2), and wrap the and since they must retain their straps around the case. 1. Storing your Tefillin black color, they should not be When not in use, Tefillin should be exposed to climatic extremes, Fig. 2 placed in their properly fitting pro- whether of heat, cold, or moisture. tective cases, and then placed with- in a bag reserved only for them. 2. Checking your Tefillin It is best to have your Tefillin Tefillin are dedicated for holy pur- checked periodically — at least poses, and should be treated with once every four years, and if possi- particular honor. Thus it is inap- ble, once a year. Traditionally, this propriate to bring Tefillin into a is done during the month of Elul Put the hand Tefillin on the restroom. (September), preceding the High 7 left side of the bag. In a public place in which you are Holidays. It is essential that the Tefillin straps afraid that the Tefillin will be stolen If you begin to notice any round- remain black. Thus, when wrapping or tampered with if they are left ing on the corners of the boxes of the Tefillin (or when putting them on), alone (e.g., an airport where there your Tefillin, or paint chipping (par- be sure not to pull too tightly on the is no safe place to place your ticularly on the straps), have them straps, so as not to stretch the leather Tefillin bag), you may enter a mod- and chip its paint. checked. ern lavatory facility (in which the waste is flushed away) while carry- The laws of Tefillin are detailed and ing Tefillin. The Tefillin bag should complex, so it is imperative that be within another bag, or covered Tefillin be checked by a qualified with your jacket, coat, or another professional sofer (scribe) to ensure garment, so that the Tefillin bag that they are kosher for use. itself is covered.

Tefillin How-To Guide 27 laws The Laws of Tefillin On Tisha Be’Av (the ninth day 5 of the month of Av, the day The obligation to put on Tefillin when we mourn the destruction of 1 begins at bar mitzvah, when a the Holy Temple), Tefillin are not boy reaches thirteen years of age. worn in the morning. Instead, one Customarily, a boy begins putting on should put on his Tefillin for the Tefillin two months before his bar afternoon Minchah prayer service. mitzvah, initially without the blessing and later, as he gets more familiar When a tallis (prayer shawl) is with wearing them, with a blessing. 6 worn during prayers, one should first wrap himself in the tallis Tefillin are worn every weekday and then put on the Tefillin. At the 2 — preferably in the morning, conclusion of the prayers, we reverse ideally during the morning prayers. the order, first removing the Tefillin However, if for some reason one did and then taking off the tallis. not put on Tefillin in the morning, he may put them on and recite the One’s body should be clean blessing until sunset. 7 when wearing Tefillin. Before putting them on, be sure that you On Shabbos and Yom Tov (the do not need to use the restroom. 3 Festivals), and according to most customs, the Intermediate days If, while wearing Tefillin, you of Sukkos and of , Tefillin are 8 need to remove them to use not worn. the restroom, when putting them on again, the blessing is recited again. On Chanukah and Purim, Tefillin If, however, you removed them for 4 are worn. any other reason, when putting laws

28 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank laws & faq’s them on again the blessing is not Frequently Asked Tefillin on his left hand, and vice recited, unless two to three hours Questions versa. have elapsed. Q) On which hand should a left- Q) What if the “weaker” arm (the When wearing Tefillin, one handed person place the hand one on which one would normal- 9 should not sit down to eat a Tefillin? ly put the Tefillin) is covered in a meal. Though it is technically permis- cast, Ace bandage, or the like? sible to have a quick drink or light A) Just as a right-handed person Similarly, what if one’s head is in snack while wearing Tefillin, in our puts the Tefillin on his “weaker” a cast or some other covering times — in which Tefillin are worn arm, the left, a left-handed person that cannot be removed? only for a short period each day — it should put them on his “weaker” A) Though generally Tefillin are to is best not to unless necessary. hand, i.e., the right hand. be worn on the bare arm and head When wearing Tefillin, one Q) If one is ambidextrous, on without any intervening substance, 10 should try to be continuous- which hand should he place the in this instance you may tie the ly mindful of them, directing his Tefillin? box of the Tefillin on the upper thoughts to prayer or . A) Because each case is unique, in arm or the head as usual, and wind such situations it is best to ask the straps around the cast or band- your local Rabbi. In the event that age. a competent authority is not Q) If someone is missing his immediately available to answer, “weak” Tefillin arm, can he put however, the general rule is that on just the head Tefillin? the “stronger” hand (with regards to putting on Tefillin) is the hand A) Yes, he may don just the head with which you write. If an Tefillin: the hand Tefillin and the ambidextrous person writes with head Tefillin are two separate his right hand, he should put the mitzvos. Before placing them on

Tefillin How-To Guide 29 frequently asked questions

the head, he should recite two that you forgot to make a bless- many would fast as an atonement blessings: the usual blessing, “leha- ing over them? Can you say the for allowing the Tefillin to fall to niach Tefillin” (to place Tefillin), and blessing now? the floor; today the custom is to the blessing “al mitzvas Tefillin” (on redeem the fast with extra A) Yes. As long as the Tefillin are the mitzvah of Tefillin) — see page (charity). One should still on you, you may recite the 20 for the text of these blessings. offer the extra charity even if the blessing. The same law would apply if, for Tefillin fell when they were in their some reason, you only have the Q) The hand Tefillin are meant case. head Tefillin and not the hand to be put on before the head Tefillin: put on the one Tefillin that Tefillin. What happens if, by you have. mistake, you took out the head Tefillin from their bag first? Q) If, because of an injury, one Should you go ahead and put cannot put on the head Tefillin, them on first? should the hand Tefillin be put on anyway? A) They should be put aside. Take the hand Tefillin from the bag and A) Yes: as above, they are two sepa- put them on; then continue with rate mitzvos, and one can put on the head Tefillin. only one when he is not able to use both. In this case, where you Q) What should I do if my can wear only the hand Tefillin, you Tefillin accidentally fell to the should recite only the usual bless- floor? ing, “Lehaniach Tefillin” — see page 19 for the text. A) If the Tefillin were not covered in their cases, first make sure that Q) What happens if you put on their edges and corners were not your Tefillin and then remember damaged. In earlier generations,

30 The Seryl & Charles Kushner International Tefillin Bank Quick Reference Chart

1234

5678

9101112

32 816 Eastern Parkway | Brooklyn, NY 11213 USA 1-888-4-TEFILLIN t: 718-221-0500 f: 718-221-0985 e: [email protected] www.TefillinBank.com

Top View