Tefillin Archives - AskTheRav

What are minimum and maximum numbers and lengths for the hairs sticking out from head Tefillin base front hole (right for Rashi, central for Rabbeinu Tam)?

There is no minimum amount. although it should be noticeable, not just on the hole. We are particular that it shouldn’t be longer than Shiur כשעורה, approximately 1 cm.…

I use my right hand for writing and eating and everything else, but I use my left hand to play sports. What hand should I but Teffilin on?

If you write with your right hand and do most activities requiring strength with your right hand you are considered a right handed person and you should put on…

האם יש איזכור מרבותינו נשיאנו על זהירות ברצועות התפילין של יגעו בריצפה אפילו בשעת הנחתן? אם כן, היכן המקור?

ראה פע״ח שער התפילין. - הובא בסה״מ תש״י ע׳ 209. סה״מ תש״ג ע׳ 43. מלוקט ב ע׳ צב הע׳ 68. וראה שער רוה״ק יב, רק למי שהוא משרש קין.…

If one puts on only Tefillin Shel Rosh, which Brocho should he make?

על מצות. מקורות: ראה מה שכתבנו מזה בארוכה בקובץ העו״ב יו״ד שבט תשס״ז ע' 167. #4175

I visit a man on Mivtzoyim that may have a little warped beliefs in relation to Yoshke, do I need to be concerned to lay Tefillin with him?

Full Question: In one of the offices I visit on Mivtzoim on a weekly basis there's a gentleman that may have a little warped beliefs in relation to Yoshke,…

בתפילין שלי מצאו שפרשיות של תפילין של רש”י ור’ת הוחלפו ואינו יודע אם משעת היצירה נתחלף או לאחרי שהנחתים. מה עלי לעשות האם להשאירם כך או לשנותם כבתחילה?

יש לסדרן מחדש כראוי. מראי מקומות: אות חיים ושלום לד, יג. ודלא כשו״ת אבני חן ו. והנה, באות חיים ושלום שם מדבר בהוחלפו לאחרי שכבר הונחו כתיקונן, אבל…

I have a cast on my left arm from over my elbow to under my wrist. How should I wrap the Tefillin? Should I go straight from the Kesher to my fingers or wrap it on the cast?

You should wrap it over the cast. Refuah Sheleima! Sources: אין דין חציצה כשאינו שייך לקשירה - שו״ע אדה״ז כז, ז. שנות חיים בשו״ת סת״ם נד. אבל לכתחילה מחמירים -…

Ideally, what is the the earliest time one can do Tallis, Tefilin, Shema and Shacharis – all of these from Misheyakir? Bedieved, for example someone who starts work really early, what is the earliest time one can do Tallis, Tefilin, Shema and shacharis?

Lechatchilah one may Daven Shemone Esrei from Netz Hachamah. However, one should not make a Brochoh on Tallis and Tefilin until after Misheyakir. In this situation, follow this procedure (assuming…

If I encounter a special needs man who cannot speak, can he fulfill the Mitzvah of putting on Tefilin? Can I say the Brachah instead?

The Mitzvah of Tefilin can be fulfilled even without a Brachah. If the only issue is the fact that he cannot speak, not mental capacity, then you can make…

If I did not leave the space of nine letters after the Parsha of Shema in Rabbeinu Tam, do I have to tell the customer about it and explain the back and forth of it?

According to Halacha, it is perfectly fine (though not the custom of many Lubavitcher Sofrim). Indeed, this is how most Arizal R"T Parshiyos are written (by Yidden in general/Chassidishe). Therefore,…

Can Tefillin be checked and put back together (and “L’Sheim Mitzvas Tefillin” said) at night? What about putting on new Retzuos, making the Kesher, and painting it at night?

Yes. Sources: See Pnei Maivin (1:14); Daas Torah 31:2 ד"ה ובדין. Even with regard to Tzitzis, the consensus is to permit making them at night. See Chikrei Minhagim 2:48 for…

Is water between ones hair or body and Tefilin considered a Chatzitzah?

There is a Machlokes about this matter. L’chatchilla one should wipe wet areas before putting on Tefillin. (If a little amount of water remains it’s not a concern). B'dieved, if…