B"H
Friday, Shevat 9, 5784 / January 19, 2024
At the end of this week’s Parsha, Bo, we find the mitzvah of Tefillin.
This mitzvah is mentioned four times in the Torah: twice in this week's Parsha, and twice in the Book of Deuteronomy. In this Parsha the Torah tells us that Tefillin are to remind us that, “with a mighty hand G-d brought you out of Egypt.”
Inside the Tefillin are the four passages of the Torah, which speak about Tefillin, written on parchment. In the hand Tefillin (Shel Yad), which has one compartment, the four verses are written on one piece of parchment. In the head Tefillin (Shel Rosh), which contains four compartments, each verse is written on a separate parchment and placed in a separate compartment.
After putting on the Tallit, we bind first the Tefillin on the hand (Shel Yad) and then the Tefillin on the head(Shel Rosh). The hand Tefillin is worn on the "weaker" hand. Thus, a right-handed person wears the Tefillin on the left arm, while one who is left-handed places them on the right arm. The fact that the Torah mentions the mitzvah of Tefillin four times indicates the great importance of this mitzvah.
Q. Why do we put on the Tallit (prayer shawl) before the Tefillin?
A. There is a Torah rule that when one has to perform two mitzvot, the mitzvah which is performedmore often comes first. Since the mitzvah of Tallit applies every day while the Tefillin are exempt on Shabbat and holidays, the Tallit is always put on first.
Q. What is the significance of wearing Tefillin on the arm and head?
A. The hand represents our deeds while the head represents logic and thought. Binding the Tefillin on the hand and head reminds us that our thoughts, intellect and deeds are to be utilized in accordance with the will of G-d.
Q. The Torah says, "And it shall be a sign on your hand," without specifying which hand. Why are the Tefillin placed on the weaker arm?
A. The word "your hand" is spelled in the Torah not in the usual way, but with an extra letter, "hay". This renders the word, "yad keha" which means "the weaker hand." As a result, a right-handed person puts the Tefillin on the left hand, while a lefty puts it on the right hand.
Q. Why don't we wear Tefillin on Shabbat and holidays?
A. As mentioned in this Parsha, Tefillin serve as a "sign" that G-d took us out of Egypt. Since Shabbat and holidays are themselves a sign and reminder of the Exodus, there is no need to wear Tefillin on those days.
WITH SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 4:24 / Shabbat ends: 5:31