Putting On and Removing Tefillin: Difference between revisions

# The arm [[Tefillin]] is placed on the biceps, below the halfway point of the bone between the elbow and armpit and on the elevated part of the flesh which is slightly above the elbow. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 27:1 writes that the Tefillin shel yad is placed on the bone between the elbow and armpit on the elevated part of the flesh. The Rama adds that it has to be below the halfway point on that bone. The Mishna Brurah 27:4 clarifies that it must be slightly above the elbow so that it is on the elevated part of the flesh. Halacha Brurah 27:3 agrees.</ref> After the bracha is said, the arm [[Tefillin]] is tightened, then wrapped around the arm seven times. The knot formation and arm binding differ considerably between different traditions. The Sephardic minhag is to wrap the seven times outward, away from the body while the Ashkenazi minhag is to wrap towards the body. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:67, Halacha Brurah 27:27 </ref> There is a custom to cover the arm [[Tefillin]] with the sleeve, in accordance with the verse "And they will be a sign to you...", i.e. to you and not to others. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera 15 based on Shaar Hakavanot Derush 5 of [[Tefillin]] </ref>

# Next, the head [[Tefillin]] is placed on top of the head, "between the eyes" but not lower than the hairline (or if balding, where one's hairline once was). <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sarah Halacha 1 </ref>  The knot of the head [[Tefillin]] sits at the back of the head, upon the part of the occipital bone that protrudes just above the nape. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 27:10 </ref> The two straps of the head [[Tefillin]] are brought in front of the shoulders, with their blackened side facing outwards. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 27:11 </ref>