Tefillin are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment with specific verses from the Torah. These are an essential part of Jewish ritual wear, used during weekday morning prayers, primarily by observant Jewish men.
There are two components of tefillin:
- Tefillin Shel Yad (Hand Tefillin): This is worn on the arm and has a single compartment containing a scroll with four passages from the Torah. It is bound to the arm with a leather strap, wrapping around the arm, hand, and fingers in a specific way, typically towards the heart to symbolize the binding of oneself to God’s commandments.
- Tefillin Shel Rosh (Head Tefillin): This is placed on the forehead, above the hairline. It has four separate compartments, each containing a different Torah passage. The leather strap is tied around the head, and a knot in the shape of the Hebrew letter ד (dalet) is made at the back of the head.
The verses included in the tefillin are from the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing the unity of God, the significance of the exodus from Egypt, and the obligation to keep God’s commandments. Wearing tefillin is a mitzvah (commandment) in Judaism, symbolizing a Jew’s connection to God and a constant reminder of God’s presence in their lives.