Phylacteries, also known as tefillin in Hebrew, are small leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah that are worn by observant Jewish men during morning prayers. The wearing of phylacteries is commanded in the Bible as a means of fulfilling the mitzvah (commandment) to “bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8). Here is a detailed overview of phylacteries, their origins, use, and significance in Judaism:
Origins and Purpose of Phylacteries
The origins of phylacteries can be traced back to the Bible, where God commands the Israelites to bind His word to their bodies as a symbolic act of devotion and remembrance. The word “phylactery” comes from the Greek phylacterion, meaning “safeguard” or “amulet.” The Hebrew term tefillin derives from the word tafillah, meaning “prayer.” Wearing phylacteries serves as a physical symbol of one’s submission to God’s will and constant awareness of His presence.
The Torah contains four key passages (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21, Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16) that mention binding God’s commandments on one’s hand and between one’s eyes. These verses were interpreted as requiring the use of tefillin. Although not mentioned directly in the Torah, the wearing of phylacteries apparently dates back to ancient times, perhaps as early as the era of the Second Temple. Over time, rabbinic authorities developed detailed instructions for the manufacture and use of phylacteries, which became an established part of traditional Jewish observance.
Scriptural Basis
As mentioned above, the main scriptural source mandating the use of phylacteries are the verses in Deuteronomy 6:8 and Deuteronomy 11:18, which state:
“You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deuteronomy 6:8)
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Deuteronomy 11:18)
These verses present the wearing of tefillin as a physical means of fulfilling the mitzvah to constantly remember and observe God’s commandments. In addition, the following passages refer to the concept of binding God’s word on oneself:
“And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:9)
“You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” (Exodus 13:16)
“This shall be a statute forever to you, that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you. For on this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you. You shall be clean before the Lord from all your sins. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; it is a statute forever. And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, wearing the holy linen garments.” (Leviticus 16:29-32)
So in summary, the primary biblical basis for wearing tefillin comes from the commandment in Deuteronomy to bind God’s word on one’s hands and between one’s eyes as a sign of devotion. The additional verses reinforce this symbolism.
Components and Manufacture of Phylacteries
Phylacteries contain the same four scriptural passages mentioned above – Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and Deuteronomy 11:13-21. These verses were chosen because they contain the verses commanding tefillin to be worn.
Traditionally, phylacteries are made from leather parchments that have been painstakingly written by a qualified scribe with special ink, quill and stylus. The leather must come from a kosher animal. There are precise rules for preparing the leather and making the ink. According to Jewish law, the physical construction of the phylacteries and the writing of the scrolls must adhere to exact specifications in order for them to be religiously valid.
Phylacteries consist of two small, black leather boxes with leather straps attached to them. The boxes contain the parchment scrolls inscribed with verses from Scripture. One box is worn on the upper arm (arm tefillin), while the other is worn on the head (head tefillin). The arm phylactery is tied around the upper left arm by the leather strap, which is wound seven times around the arm and hand. The head phylactery is positioned at the center of the forehead with the strap tied at the back of the head. A blessing is recited over the phylacteries when they are put on.
How Phylacteries are Worn
In traditional Jewish practice, phylacteries are worn exclusively by men over the age of bar mitzvah during morning prayers on weekdays. There is debate within liberal Jewish denominations about whether women may also wear phylacteries, with Reform and Reconstructionist streams permitting the practice. However, in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism, women do not wear phylacteries.
The arm tefillin is put on first by wrapping the leather strap seven times around the upper arm (this number recalling the seven days of creation). The box rests on the bicep area. The head tefillin is then placed above the forehead, with the strap wrapped around the head in a specified manner. The strap forms the letter shin, referencing one of God’s names, Shaddai. A traditional blessing is recited before donning the tefillin, focusing on God’s commandment to bind His word on oneself.
While wearing the phylacteries, it is customary to periodically touch and kiss them during prayers. They are worn during morning services on weekdays and holidays when work is permitted. They are removed before the end of prayers. There are rigorous rules about avoiding any interruption while the tefillin are in place, as well as maintaining bodily cleanliness out of respect. People who are ritually impure for various reasons may not wear phylacteries.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
In Judaism, the wearing of phylacteries represents an embodied spiritual practice – a tangible “ritual object” that connects the physical and spiritual realms. Donning tefillin is a hallowed daily discipline that has the power to consecrate one’s body to God’s service.
On a symbolic level, the phylacteries signify:
– God’s word binding the wearer to obedience and remembrance
– The subjugation of one’s will, thoughts and actions to God’s commands
– Dedication to the spiritual over the material world
– The names of God protecting the wearer from harm
– Oneness of God over all creation
Phylacteries are thus a form of embodied spirituality – they turn abstract theology into a ritualized, somatic experience. The very fact of methodically binding and wrapping an object on the body makes God’s word physically proximate. Each movement with the straps and boxes reconnects one’s body and mind back to faith. The discomfort of wearing phylacteries also represents sacrifice and discipline to live by God’s decree. Overall, tefillin provide a kinesthetic reminder to orient one’s whole being toward serving the Divine.
The Phylactery in Jewish Culture and History
Throughout Jewish history, the phylactery has been an iconic symbol of Jewish identity and commitment to God’s commandments. Although wearing phylacteries is not one of the 613 commandments in the Torah, it is a strictly observed tradition in Orthodox communities. Donning phylacteries is considered one of the most important regular religious rituals for Jewish men.
Historically, authorities condemned Jews who did not wear phylacteries regularly or criticized their necessity. The Jewish sage Maimonides declared daily tefillin usage as paramount to Jewish belief in the “unity of God.” Jews who questioned or neglected phylacteries were deemed heretical or assimilated. The anti-Semitic myth also arose that phylacteries possessed miraculous powers or were used in strange rituals, further cementing their status as a mysterious “Jewish ritual object.”
Yet the practice of laying tefillin also united Jews across lands and centuries with the shared daily discipline of binding body and soul to God’s will. Belief in the spiritual potency of phylacteries also gave strength during times of persecution. Today, donning phylacteries remains a quintessential ritual act in traditional Jewish life. The image of Jews praying with tefillin strapped to head and arm remains a powerful symbol of faith and spiritual remembrance.
Cultural Depictions of Phylacteries
As a uniquely “Jewish” ritual object, phylacteries have been depicted in various cultural representations over the centuries:
– Artwork – Jewish men wearing phylacteries feature prominently in medieval Jewish illuminated manuscripts such as the Birds’ Head Haggadah. Marc Chagall’s modernist paintings also frequently portray phylacteries.
– Film – In movies with Jewish themes like Yentl and The Frisco Kid, phylacteries often appear to quickly indicate a character’s religious devotion.
– Television – In an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David accidentally drops a phylactery in the toilet, then fishes it out and wraps it back on, to the horror of onlookers.
– Literature – Franz Kafka wrote a short parable called “The Cares of a Family Man” about odyssey to buy phylacteries.
– Anti-Semitic depictions – Caricatures meant to mock Jews would sometimes portray exaggerated large phylacteries.
While sometimes stereotyped or exaggerated in pop culture, overall the consistent appearance of phylacteries across film, art and literature underlines their continuous importance in Jewish culture.
Theological Objections to Phylacteries
While accepted as normative in Orthodox Judaism, wearing phylacteries has also faced critique and opposition from other theological perspectives:
– Karaite Judaism – This schismatic Jewish sect rejects rabbinic additions to biblical law like phylacteries, claiming they are not mandated in scripture.
– Reform Judaism – In early days, Reformers argued phylacteries were an outdated, useless ritual with no deeper meaning. This stance has softened over time.
– Christianity argues that Jesus Christ fulfilled the law, so rituals like phylacteries are obsolete for those under the new covenant.
– Some suggest phylacteries contradict the Bible prohibiting magic charms and amulets – i.e. the idea they have inherent “spiritual power.”
– Critics claim wearing phylacteries breeds hypocritical religious showmanship and pride in one’s piety.
– Feminists argue the exemption of women from wearing phylacteries is discriminatory.
– Secularists see phylacteries as empty, bizarre religious rituals that no longer resonate.
Yet supporters argue phylacteries channel religious passion into bodily devotion and represent enduring symbolic value. The ritual continues to offer meaning to multitudes of pious Jews.
Conclusion
In summary, phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather boxes containing Torah verses, worn by Jewish men during prayer as a sign of devotion to God’s commandments. Originating from direct biblical command and developed as a ritual practice over centuries, donning phylacteries represents a tangible spiritual discipline to connect one’s inner being to faith. The wearing of tefillin is rich in theological symbolism and remains an iconic ritual act in traditional Judaism. While sometimes critiqued as outdated or superstitious, phylacteries continue to offer a powerful embodied practice of binding the physical and spiritual realms for devoted practitioners of the Jewish faith seeking connection to God.
