Tefillin Practices and Customs

Front

Why should you touch the tefillin when thinking of them?

Back

To prevent your thoughts from being diverted from them.

Front

Which tefillin should be touched first during Shema?

Back

First touch the shel yad, then the shel rosh.

Front

What is the significance of the tefillin shel rosh compared to the shel yad?

Back

The shel rosh is more sacred because it has four compartments and the letter shin.

Front

Can the strap of the shel rosh be used for the shel yad?

Back

No, but the strap of the shel yad may be used for the shel rosh.

Front

When should tefillin be removed during prayer?

Back

After the kedushah of uva letzion or after the Seifer Torah is returned to the Ark.

Front

What is the custom for removing tefillin on Rosh Chodesh?

Back

Tefillin are removed before the Musaf Amidah.

Front

How should tefillin be removed?

Back

While standing, unwind the coils from the middle finger and arm, remove the shel rosh first, then the shel yad.

Front

Why should the shel rosh be removed first?

Back

To ensure that whenever the shel rosh is on, the shel yad is also on.

Front

How should tefillin be stored in their bag?

Back

Place them side by side, not with the shel yad on top of the shel rosh.

Front

What should you do if you arrive at the synagogue without tefillin?

Back

Wait until the end of the service to borrow tefillin, or recite Shema and pray without them if time is limited.