Teffilin and Mezuzos
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Tefillin of the High Priest
How did the High Priest in the Temple wear Tefilin while also wearing a head dress? Answer: The High Priest was able to wear Tefillin – the Sages explain that the golden “Tzitz” band was on his forehead, the hat…
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Men with Long Hair
Are men allowed to grow their hair long for locks of love? Answer: Some Rabbinic authorities maintain that long hair for a man poses an issue of “chatsitsa” or separation between the scalp and teffillin (phylactaries) that are worn during…
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Wearing Tefillin All Day
When one wears Tefillin (Phylacteries) one betroths themselves to G-d – it’s a wedding ring. Why then would someone take them after the morning prayers? Answer: You make a good point. In actuality it is best for a man to…
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Shin on the Mezuza Case
What does the letter Shin on the outside of the Mezuza signify? Answer: Great Question! The Shin represents the Hebrew Name for G-d, Sha-Dai, which means almighty-all powerful. The full name Sha-dai is written in Hebrew on the outside of…
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Wrapping Tefillin Straps Around the Finger
Why do we wrap the tefillin strap around the middle finger 3 times? First of all, it is important to note that there are several accepted traditions as to how exactly the tefillin straps should be wrapped around your hand.…
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Mezuzah
Not long ago I heard of a Jewish religious article that is placed near the exit to a house. When you leave the house, you touch this item and ask for God’s blessing. Is this the Mezuzah? If not, what…
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The First Tefillin
When did Jews start the prayer practice of wearing Tefillin? Teffilin is mentioned in four places in the Torah. The Jews started observing this practice in the desert. There is a tradition that the Patriarchs and Matriarchs observed the laws…
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Anatomy of the Tefillin
Can you tell me what are the names of the different parts of the Tefillin (phylacteries) and what are their significance (meanings)? Here are the basic components of Tefillin: a) The parchments upon which are written the 4 sections in…
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The Slanted Mezuzah
Why is the Mezuzah (Scroll on the doorpost) always put on a door obliquely (slanting) and not straight? Your question is an excellent one and requires a bit of background: The Talmud discusses the proper positioning of the Mezuza on…