https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin.xml /articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin xml article Tefillin Two leather boxes containing parchment scrolls of biblical passages, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer. The New Jew /index.xml Jewish Living /sections/jewish-living.xml Tefillin /articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin.xml https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin.json <_xml>https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin.xml
essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin Tefillin Two leather boxes containing parchment scrolls of biblical passages, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer. Summary. Tefillin (the Greek loanword phylacteries) are two leather boxes (battim) containing parchment scrolls (klafim) of four Torah passages (Shemot 13:1–10, 13:11–16; Devarim 6:4–9, 11:13–21). They are bound on the arm (tefillin shel yad) and on the head (tefillin shel rosh) during weekday morning prayer, fulfilling the commandment to bind them “for a sign upon your hand” and “as frontlets between your eyes.” Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat or festivals. Bar Mitzvah age (13) is when a boy first puts them on; the practice is increasingly observed by women in egalitarian communities. essential essentials tefillin phylacteries morning prayer 2026-07-06T02:19:03.001Z 557 3
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summary Summary. [Tefillin](/glossary.xml#letter-T) (the Greek loanword phylacteries) are two leather boxes ([battim](/glossary.xml#letter-B)) containing parchment scrolls ([klafim](/glossary.xml#letter-K)) of four [Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-T) passages ([Shemot 13:1–10](https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.13.1-10), [13:11–16](https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.13.11-16); [Devarim 6:4–9](https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.6.4-9), [11:13–21](https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.11.13-21)). They are bound on the arm (tefillin [shel yad](/glossary.xml#letter-S)) and on the head (tefillin [shel rosh](/glossary.xml#letter-S)) during weekday morning prayer, fulfilling the commandment to bind them “for a sign upon your hand” and “as frontlets between your eyes.” Tefillin are not worn on [Shabbat](/glossary.xml#letter-S) or festivals. [Bar Mitzvah](/glossary.xml#letter-B) age (13) is when a boy first puts them on; the practice is increasingly observed by women in egalitarian communities. Summary. Tefillin (the Greek loanword phylacteries) are two leather boxes (battim) containing parchment scrolls (klafim) of four Torah passages (Shemot 13:1–10, 13:11–16; Devarim 6:4–9, 11:13–21). They are bound on the arm (tefillin shel yad) and on the head (tefillin shel rosh) during weekday morning prayer, fulfilling the commandment to bind them “for a sign upon your hand” and “as frontlets between your eyes.” Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat or festivals. Bar Mitzvah age (13) is when a boy first puts them on; the practice is increasingly observed by women in egalitarian communities. heading What They Contain What They Contain paragraph Four Torah passages, written by a [sofer](/glossary.xml#letter-S) (scribe) on parchment from a [kosher](/glossary.xml#letter-K) animal. The shel yad (arm) contains all four on a single scroll; the shel rosh (head) contains each on a separate scroll in four small compartments. The straps ([retzu’ot](/glossary.xml#letter-R)) are likewise of kosher leather, dyed black. Four Torah passages, written by a sofer (scribe) on parchment from a kosher animal. The shel yad (arm) contains all four on a single scroll; the shel rosh (head) contains each on a separate scroll in four small compartments. The straps (retzu’ot) are likewise of kosher leather, dyed black. heading How They Are Put On How They Are Put On paragraph The shel yad goes on the biceps of the non-dominant arm (left for a right-handed person; right for a left-handed person), with the box positioned toward the heart. The strap is wrapped seven times around the forearm, then around the hand and middle finger in a pattern that spells one of God’s names. The shel rosh is placed on the head, with the box centered above the hairline (or where the hairline was) between the eyes. The blessings are recited as each is positioned. The shel yad goes on the biceps of the non-dominant arm (left for a right-handed person; right for a left-handed person), with the box positioned toward the heart. The strap is wrapped seven times around the forearm, then around the hand and middle finger in a pattern that spells one of God’s names. The shel rosh is placed on the head, with the box centered above the hairline (or where the hairline was) between the eyes. The blessings are recited as each is positioned. heading When They Are Worn When They Are Worn paragraph Weekday mornings only. Not on Shabbat or major festivals ([Yom Tov](/glossary.xml#letter-Y)), because those days are themselves a “sign” between God and Israel and an additional sign is therefore unnecessary (the [Talmud](/glossary.xml#letter-T)ic logic, [Eruvin 96a](https://www.sefaria.org/Eruvin.96a)). The minor festivals ([Chol HaMo’ed](/glossary.xml#letter-C)) of [Pesach](/glossary.xml#letter-P) and [Sukkot](/glossary.xml#letter-S) are subject to community variation — some communities wear tefillin during Chol HaMo’ed, others do not. Weekday mornings only. Not on Shabbat or major festivals (Yom Tov), because those days are themselves a “sign” between God and Israel and an additional sign is therefore unnecessary (the Talmudic logic, Eruvin 96a). The minor festivals (Chol HaMo’ed) of Pesach and Sukkot are subject to community variation — some communities wear tefillin during Chol HaMo’ed, others do not. heading Buying Tefillin Buying Tefillin paragraph Tefillin are a major purchase ($400–$2,500 for kosher tefillin in 2026; cheaper sets exist but should be verified by a trusted sofer or rabbi). The two main scribal traditions are [Rashi](/glossary.xml#letter-R) (the standard) and [Rabbeinu Tam](/glossary.xml#letter-R) (whose ordering of the passages differs). Some particularly observant men wear both pairs daily, though the standard practice is Rashi only. For a New Jew, the Rashi pair is the proper first purchase. Have them inspected (kabbala) periodically — every several years — by a sofer. Tefillin are a major purchase ($400–$2,500 for kosher tefillin in 2026; cheaper sets exist but should be verified by a trusted sofer or rabbi). The two main scribal traditions are Rashi (the standard) and Rabbeinu Tam (whose ordering of the passages differs). Some particularly observant men wear both pairs daily, though the standard practice is Rashi only. For a New Jew, the Rashi pair is the proper first purchase. Have them inspected (kabbala) periodically — every several years — by a sofer. heading Where Denominations Diverge Where Denominations Diverge paragraph [Orthodox](/glossary.xml#letter-O): tefillin are required of men from Bar Mitzvah age. Some Orthodox women historically wore tefillin (Michal bat Shaul, by Talmudic report; Rashi’s daughters by family tradition; Hannah Rachel of Ludomir in the 19th century); the practice was rare and is debated today. Conservative: men required; women increasingly observed in egalitarian Conservative practice. [Reform](/glossary.xml#letter-R): traditionally absent from Reform practice; current Reform increasingly includes tefillin as an option, with no gender restriction. [Reconstructionist](/glossary.xml#letter-R): optional, increasingly observed by both men and women. Orthodox: tefillin are required of men from Bar Mitzvah age. Some Orthodox women historically wore tefillin (Michal bat Shaul, by Talmudic report; Rashi’s daughters by family tradition; Hannah Rachel of Ludomir in the 19th century); the practice was rare and is debated today. Conservative: men required; women increasingly observed in egalitarian Conservative practice. Reform: traditionally absent from Reform practice; current Reform increasingly includes tefillin as an option, with no gender restriction. Reconstructionist: optional, increasingly observed by both men and women. heading Sources Sources paragraph Torah: [Shemot](/glossary.xml#letter-S) 13:1–10, 13:11–16; [Devarim](/glossary.xml#letter-D) 6:4–9, 11:13–21. Torah: Shemot 13:1–10, 13:11–16; Devarim 6:4–9, 11:13–21. paragraph [Talmud Bavli](/glossary.xml#letter-T), [Menachot 34a–37b](https://www.sefaria.org/Menachot.34-37); Eruvin 96a; [Berachot 6a](https://www.sefaria.org/Berakhot.6a). Talmud Bavli, Menachot 34a–37b; Eruvin 96a; Berachot 6a. paragraph [Rambam](/glossary.xml#letter-R), [Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tefillin](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah,_Tefillin,_Mezuzah_and_the_Torah_Scroll). Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tefillin. paragraph [Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 25–45](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.25-45). Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 25–45. paragraph [Some Laws of Tefillin](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/81815/jewish/Some-Laws-of-Tefillin.htm) — Chabad.org. Some Laws of Tefillin — Chabad.org. paragraph [Tefillin of Rashi and Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam](https://en.yhb.org.il/revivim1154/) — Peninei Halakha. Tefillin of Rashi and Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam — Peninei Halakha. paragraph [What Are Tefillin? Meaning, How to Wrap & Wear Them](https://exploringjudaism.org/what-are-tefillin/) — Rabbinical Assembly. What Are Tefillin? Meaning, How to Wrap & Wear Them — Rabbinical Assembly. paragraph [What Are Tefillin? Meaning, How to Wrap & Wear Them](https://exploringjudaism.org/what-are-tefillin/) — Exploring Judaism. What Are Tefillin? Meaning, How to Wrap & Wear Them — Exploring Judaism. heading Further Reading Further Reading paragraph Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin, To Pray as a Jew. Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin, To Pray as a Jew. paragraph Lawrence Kushner, God Was in This Place and I, I Did Not Know. Lawrence Kushner, God Was in This Place and I, I Did Not Know. essentials-essential-questions-who-is-a-jew Who is a Jew? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-who-is-a-jew.xml essentials-essential-questions-what-does-judaism-teach-about-god What Does Judaism Teach About God? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-what-does-judaism-teach-about-god.xml essentials-essential-questions-do-jews-believe-in-an-afterlife Do Jews Believe in an Afterlife? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-do-jews-believe-in-an-afterlife.xml essentials-essential-questions-why-do-jews-not-believe-in-jesus Why Do Jews Not Believe in Jesus? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-why-do-jews-not-believe-in-jesus.xml going-deeper-deeper-judaica-sukkah Sukkah deeper /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-sukkah.xml going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-species Lulav and Etrog (The Four Species) deeper /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-species.xml going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah Hanukkiah (Menorah) deeper /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah.xml Bar Mitzvah בר מצוה The coming of age at which a Jewish child becomes responsible for the mitzvot — traditionally 13 for a boy (bar mitzvah) and 12 or 13 for a girl (bat mitzvah). The occasion is typically marked by being called up to the Torah. Chol HaMo'ed חוֹל הַמּוֹעֵד The intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot — 'the weekday of the festival' — when the holiday continues but most everyday work is permitted. Devarim דְּבָרִים The fifth book of the Torah — Deuteronomy — consisting of Moshe's farewell addresses. The name means 'words.' Orthodox Judaism Orthodox Judaism holds Halacha as fully binding and the Shulchan Aruch as its canonical code; it spans Haredi and Hasidic communities as well as Modern Orthodoxy, and is the starting point from which this Field Guide is written, even as it engages seriously with other denominations. how-to-use-this-field-guide Pesach פֶּסַח Passover — the spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, observed with the seder meal, matzah, and the removal of chametz from the home. holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesach Rabbeinu Tam רבינו תם Rabbi Yaakov ben Meir (1100–1171), Rashi's grandson and the leading Tosafist of northern France, is best known today for his differing view — against Rashi's — on the internal order of the Torah passages inside tefillin, a disagreement some especially devout Jews resolve by wearing both traditions. essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin Rambam רמב״ם Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (1138–1204), known by the acronym Rambam and in the Latin West as Maimonides, was the towering rationalist codifier and philosopher of medieval Judaism — author of the legal code Mishneh Torah and the philosophical Guide for the Perplexed. His formulation of God's unity and incorporeality remains foundational to Jewish theology across denominations. essentials-essential-questions-what-does-judaism-teach-about-god Rashi רש״י Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki (1040–1105) of Troyes, France, is the single most influential commentator on the Tanakh and the Talmud; his terse, page-anchoring commentary appears alongside almost every printed edition of both. A New Jew encounters Rashi constantly — in every Chumash, on every page of Talmud. essentials-essential-judaica-mezuzah Reconstructionist Judaism Founded by Mordecai Kaplan, Reconstructionist Judaism understands Judaism as an evolving religious civilization rather than a fixed set of supernatural commandments, and was an early adopter of patrilineal descent and full gender egalitarianism. how-to-use-this-field-guide Reform Judaism Reform Judaism treats Halacha as a source of values and meaning rather than binding law, emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and tikkun olam; it was the first movement to fully recognize patrilineal descent and ordain women as rabbis. how-to-use-this-field-guide Shabbat שַׁבָּת The seventh day — the weekly day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall, marked by candle lighting, kiddush, festive meals, and rest from creative work. where-to-start-your-first-shabbat Shemot שְׁמוֹת The book of Exodus — the Torah's second book, called by its opening Hebrew word, 'names'; also the name of that book's first weekly portion. Sukkot סוכות The autumn Festival of Booths, one of the three pilgrimage festivals — seven days of dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species, in 'the season of our joy.' holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot Talmud תלמוד The vast rabbinic work — the Mishnah together with the Gemara's discussion of it — that develops the Oral Torah into Jewish law and thought. It is the central text of Jewish study after the Bible itself. essentials-essential-facts-the-talmud-in-one-article Talmud Bavli תלמוד בבלי The Babylonian Talmud, completed around 500 CE in the academies of Babylonia — the more extensive of the two Talmuds and the authoritative one for Jewish law. essentials-essential-facts-the-talmud-in-one-article Torah תּוֹרָה The Five Books of Moses — the scroll at the center of Jewish life — and, more broadly, the whole of Jewish teaching. 'Learning Torah' can mean anything from Chumash to Talmud. Yom Tov יום טוב Literally 'a good day' — a full festival day (such as the first days of Pesach and Sukkot, Shavuot, and Rosh Hashanah) on which work is restricted much as on Shabbat, with certain exceptions such as cooking. batim בָּתִּים Literally 'houses' — the black leather boxes of tefillin that hold the parchment scrolls, one worn on the arm and one on the head. essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin klaf קְלָף Parchment prepared from animal hide to exacting standards, on which a scribe writes Torah scrolls, tefillin, mezuzot, and megillot. kosher כָּשֵׁר Fit or proper according to Jewish law — said mostly of food, but equally of a Torah scroll, a sukkah, or anything else that meets halachic requirements. essentials-essential-facts-kashrut-the-basics retzuot רְצוּעוֹת The leather straps of tefillin, wound around the arm and fitted around the head. essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin shel rosh שֶׁל רֹאשׁ The tefillin box worn on the head, positioned at the hairline 'between the eyes,' with its strap crowning the head. essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin shel yad שֶׁל יָד The tefillin box bound on the upper arm opposite the heart, its strap wound down the forearm and hand. essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin sofer סופר A scribe trained to write Torah scrolls, tefillin, mezuzot, and megillot by hand on parchment, following exacting halachic rules. tefillin תפילין Two small leather boxes containing Torah passages, bound with straps on the arm and head during weekday morning prayer, fulfilling the command to bind God's words 'as a sign upon your hand.' essentials-essential-judaica-tefillin parent Jewish Living /sections/jewish-living.xml related Who is a Jew? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-who-is-a-jew.xml related What Does Judaism Teach About God? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-what-does-judaism-teach-about-god.xml related Do Jews Believe in an Afterlife? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-do-jews-believe-in-an-afterlife.xml related Why Do Jews Not Believe in Jesus? /articles/essentials-essential-questions-why-do-jews-not-believe-in-jesus.xml related Sukkah /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-sukkah.xml related Lulav and Etrog (The Four Species) /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-species.xml related Hanukkiah (Menorah) /articles/going-deeper-deeper-judaica-hanukkiah-menorah.xml