Putting On and Removing Tefillin: Difference between revisions

# One who is careful to wear a [[Tallit]] Katan ([[Tzitzit]]) should put on the [[Tallit]] Katan and [[Tefillin]] in their house and then walk to Shul wearing [[Tefillin]], in Shul they should then put on a [[Tallit]] Gadol. <Ref> Based on the Zohar Vaetchanan 265, the Shulchan Aruch 25:2 rules that one who is careful to wear a [[Tallit]] Katan should put on the [[Tallit]] Katan and [[Tefillin]] in their house and then walk to Shul wearing [[Tefillin]] and in Shul put on a [[Tallit]] Gadol.</ref> However, some say that one should only put on one's [[Tefillin]] at home if one has worn the [[Tallit]] Gadol beforehand. <ref> Halacha Brurah (Rav David Yosef, 25:11) quotes the Ari"zal as saying that even if one is wearing a [[Tallit]] Katan one must put one's [[Tallit]] Gadol before putting on one's [[Tefillin]] at home and adds that it is good to follow this latter opinion. </ref>

# If one will have to pass dirty areas or there are goyim between one’s house and the Shul, one should put on the [[Tefillin]] in the hallway next to the Shul itself if possible. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:8 and 10, Sh"t Rav Pealim OC 1:4, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the mitzvah of [[tefillin]], seif 6 </ref>

# Because the primary concern is only to enter Shul wearing [[Tefillin]], one should leave the [[Tefillin]] outside Shul from the day before, to be able to put them on outside and enter the Shul wearing them. <Ref> Kaf HaChaim 25:17, Piskei Teshuvot 25:6 </ref>

# Some say that one should also walk out of Shul wearing [[Tefillin]]. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 25:6 </ref>

# Some say it is preferable to put on [[Tefillin]] outside of Shul even if one will not be one of the first ten in the [[minyan]] because of it. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera #5, Kaf HaChaim 25:18, Halacha Brurah 25:13, Yalkut Yosef ([[Tefillin]] 25 note 36) </ref>

# One may put on [[Tefillin]] during the day, but not during the night. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 30:2, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, the time for donning, seif 2 </ref> One may put them on in the morning from the time of [[MeSheyakir]]. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 30:1 </ref>

# Nowadays the prevailing custom is to lay them only during the weekday morning service. <ref> Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 37:2, Rambam Hilchot [[Tefillin]] 4:26 </ref>  

# The minimum requirement is to have [[Tefillin]] on during [[Kriyat Shema]] and [[Shmoneh Esrei]]. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:4, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the mitzvah of [[tefillin]], seif 16. The gemara in [[Berachot]] 14b says that if a person recites the morning Shema without [[Tefillin]] it is as if he is testifying falsely about himself when he says the pasuk that discusses the obligation to wear [[Tefillin]] since he is not fulfilling it. The Zohar 93b speaks highly of one who prays the amida wearing his [[Tefillin]]. </ref>  

# If one has a choice between praying the Amida with the tzibbur or waiting for a pair of [[Tefillin]] one should wait for the [[Tefillin]] and pray alone unless due to waiting one would miss the time for praying. <ref> Magen Avraham 66:12, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:22, Kaf Hachayim 25:28 </ref>

# If one is waiting for a pair of [[Tefillin]] and the time to say Keriat Shema may pass, one should recite Shema without [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 1:4 by doing so, one does not fall into the category of people criticized by the gemara [[Brachot]] 14b mentioned above. </ref>

# When one says "Vekeshartem LeOt Al Yadecha" one should touch one's [[Tefillin]] shel yad and when one says "VeHayu VeTotafot Ben Aynecha" one should touch one's [[Tefillin]] shel rosh. <ref>Yalkut Yosef 28:2</ref>

# Some have the minhag to touch their [[Tefillin]] when they say the following [[prayers]]: Oter Yisrael BeTifara ([[Tefillin]] shel rosh only), Ozer Yisrael BeGevura ([[Tefillin]] shel yad only), Kadesh Li Kol Bechor, at the words Yehe Kavod and Maasbeha Lechol Chay Ratzon in Hodu, Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh in Birkat Yotzer, Hashem Sifatay Tiftach, Hamivarech Et Amo BaShalom. <ref>Yalkut Yosef 28:2</ref>

# If it is after sunset but before tzet hakochavim and one has not yet put on [[Tefillin]], one still may do so. <ref> Magen Avraham 30:2. </ref> Once tzet hakochavim passes one may no longer do so. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 30:2, Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 7:7:5. </ref>

# The earliest time to put on [[Tefillin]] is the time of [[MeSheyakir]]. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 30:1 </ref>

# One who can't put on Tefillin from after Olot until Shekiya because of their work and would lose their job if they put on Tefillin during the day they can keep their job. Nonetheless they can put on Tefillin before Olot Hashachar in such an extenuating circumstance.<ref>Igrot Moshe OC 1:10. Rav Moshe Feinstein writes here that one who will lose more than one-fifth of his income by not accepting work that requires such early hours ought to put on Tefillin with a berakha, since it is not worth losing a positive commandment due to a rabbinic prohibition. In this situation, the reason for Chazal’s ruling does not apply since there should be no reason to be concerned that he will fall asleep.</ref> This can apply to other situations in which one would not be able to do so the rest of the day.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 30:1. An example given is if one must undergo surgery and will not be able to fulfill the mitzvah later. One should not make a berakha before misheyakir in such situations.</ref>

# One who needs to travel before alot hashachar should wait until the proper time to don Tefillin.<ref> Mishnah Berurah 30:14. While the Shulchan Arukh allows donning Tefillin before alot hashachar and making the berakha at misheyakir for one who needs to travel, this would only seem to apply when one is travelling by foot. However, as we tend to travel by vehicle, there is still a concern that one may fall asleep when sitting while wearing Tefillin. The Arukh Ha-Shulchan (OC 30:5) agrees with this view.</ref>

# One who is in the army and going to be on duty all day from before Olot until after Shekiya according to some poskim he can put on Tefillin then without a bracha, but according to others he shouldn't put on Tefillin then.<ref>[https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%97%D7%91%D7%9C_%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%95_%D7%92_%D7%91 Chevel Nachalato 3:2] records a long discussion between Rav Yakov Epstein and Rav Avigdor Nevinsal whether a soldier who is on duty from before Olot until after Shekiya can put on Tefillin before olot. Rav Nevinsal held he could but shouldn't recite a bracha. He is based on Igrot Moshe 1:10 and would apply it even on a mass scale.</ref>

# One should put on the [[Tallit]] before putting on one's [[Tefillin]].<Ref> S”A 25:1 says that the [[Tallit]] goes first because we want to increase in [[Kedusha]] from [[Tallit]] to [[Tefillin]]. </ref> Even if the [[Tallit]] is only obligated in [[Tzitzit]] derabbanan, it still takes precedence over the [[Tefillin]]. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:1, Halacha Brurah 25:7, Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 3 </ref>

# If one puts one's [[Tallit]] and [[Tefillin]] in the same bag, one should be careful to place the [[Tallit]] to the side of the [[Tefillin]] so that one can unpack the [[Tallit]] before the [[Tefillin]]. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 25:1 writes that one must not place the [[Tefillin]] above the [[Tallit]] in fear of taking the [[Tefillin]] out before the [[Tallit]]. However, Halacha Brurah 25 writes that it is not respectful to the [[Tefillin]] to place the [[Tallit]] above the [[Tefillin]], therefore it should be placed in a separate bag or to the side of the [[Tefillin]]. </ref>

# If one is not going to fulfill the mitzvot of [[Tallit]], one may pass over the [[Tefillin]] and take the [[Tallit]] or the other way around; pass over the [[Tallit]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:3 writes that the law that one may not pass up a mitzvah only applies when one intends to do the mitzvah. </ref>Hence if the [[Tefillin]] was mistakenly placed above the [[Tallit]] and one did not plan on fulfilling the mitzvah with either for that moment, one may remove both and rearrange them. <ref> This follows clearly from the above Mishna Brurah but is written as an example in Halachot of [[Tefillin]] by Rabbi Shlomo Churba (page 7) quoting Or Letzion (vol 2, 44:16). </ref>  

# Similarly, if one has a [[Tallit]] of [[Shabbat]] in the same bag and above the [[Tallit]] of the weekday one may take the [[Tallit]] of the weekday even if it is below the other Shabbat one. <Ref> Kaf HaChaim 25:8 writes that since one does not intend to use the [[Tallit]] of [[Shabbat]] now one is permitted to take the [[Tallit]] of the weekday even if it is underneath. </ref>

# If one has only [[Tefillin]] but not a [[Tallit]], according to Ashkenazim one should not wait but rather one can just put on the [[Tefillin]]. Sephardim hold that if one will have the possibility of attaining a [[Tallit]] before the latest time to say Shema, one should wait to get the [[Tallit]] before putting on the [[Tefillin]]. However, if one will not have a [[Tallit]] available before the [[latest time for Shema]], one should don the [[Tefillin]] in order to say Shema with [[Tefillin]] within the time. <ref> Rama 25:1 writes that if one has [[Tefillin]] but not a [[Tallit]] one should not wait for the [[Tallit]] but rather just put on the [[Tefillin]]. The Magen Avraham 25:2 understands that this is the case even if there is no concern that one will miss Sof Zman [[Kriyat Shema]]. Mishna Brurah 25:7 agrees. However, the Machaneh Chaim (Mehudra Kama 2), Sh”t Shenot Chaim 36, Kaf HaChaim 25:10, Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 319), and Halacha Brurah 25:10 argue that one should wait to put on the [[Tallit]] as long as one will not miss the time for [[Kriyat Shema]]. </ref>

# If one takes off one’s [[Tallit]] and [[Tefillin]] momentarily and then puts them back on, one should still be careful to put on the [[Tallit]] first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha s.v. Vayitztarech) writes that the principle of putting on the [[Tallit]] before [[Tefillin]] is relevant also in a case where one took off the [[Tallit]] and [[Tefillin]] momentarily and now comes to put them back on. This is quoted in Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 318), Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 25:2), Amudei HaShulchan 10:2, and Divrei Shalom (vol 1 pg 15). </ref>

# If one is wearing [[Tefillin]] and then a [[Tallit]] becomes available, one need not remove one’s [[Tefillin]], rather one should just put on the [[Tallit]] while wearing the [[Tefillin]]. <Ref> Ben Ish Chai (Vayera 4, Sh”t Rav Poalim 1:4) writes that if someone is only wearing [[Tefillin]] and a [[Tallit]] becomes available, one should remove one’s [[Tefillin]] before putting on the [[Tallit]]. This is also the opinion of the Sh”t Torah Lishmah 1. However, the Rama 25:1 writes that if one has only [[Tefillin]] one should put them on and when one gets a [[Tallit]] one should don the [[Tallit]] implying that one does not need to remove the [[Tefillin]] in order to put on the [[Tallit]]. Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 319) agrees. </ref>

# If someone by accident took the [[Tefillin]] before the [[Tallit]], some say that one should put on the [[Tefillin]] since one already has them in one’s hands, while others hold one should leave the [[Tefillin]] (respectfully), engage oneself in another activity and when one returns one can put on the [[Tallit]] first. <Ref> The S”A 25:1 writes that one should be careful not to put the [[Tefillin]] above the [[Tallit]] in one bag because then one may take the [[Tefillin]] first and have to put them on before the [[Tallit]]. The S”A here holds that since one picked up the [[Tefillin]] the principle of not passing up a mitzvah overrides putting the [[Tallit]] on before the [[Tefillin]]. Most achronim rule in accordance with S”A including Mishna Brurah and Halacha Brurah 25:9. However, the Kaf HaChaim 25:10 writes in name of the Arizal that one should always put on the [[Tallit]] first even in such a case. Therefore, the Sh”t Or Letzion 2:44:16 writes that one should leave the [[Tefillin]] and engage in another activity, so that when one returns to the [[Tefillin]] one may put on the [[Tallit]] first according to all opinions. [This advise of engaging in another activity in order to remove the issue of not passing up a mitzvah is sourced in the Magen Avraham 25:4 and Mishna Brurah 25:3.] Even though the Halacha Brurah 25:9 argues that once one is involved in a mitzvah one is not allowed to engage in a non-mitzvah, still the Divrei Shalom (vol 1 pg 23), Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 315-7), [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=504 Rabbi Eli Mansour on dailyhalacha.com], and Halachot of [[Tefillin]] (by Rabbi Shlomo Churba pg 8) rule in accordance with the Or Letzion. </ref>  

## The same applies if one only picked up the [[Tefillin]] in their bag before taking the [[Tallit]]. <Ref> Magen Avraham 25:1 argues that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah does not apply if one picks up the [[Tefillin]] in their bag before taking the [[Tallit]]. This is also the opinion of the S”A HaRav 25:3. However, Kitzur S”A 10:2, Maamer Mordechai 25:3, Nehar Shalom 25:1, Nishmat Adam 13:2, Levush 25, Taz 25:10, Eliyah Rabba 25:4, Chaye Adam 13:1, Shalmei Tzibbur (pg 37a), Siddur Bet Ovad (Makom Hanachat [[Tefillin]] 1), Kaf HaChaim 25:6, and Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha 25:1 s.v. Shelo Yanichu) rule that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah applies even if the [[Tefillin]] are still in their bag and therefore one may not simply put tem down again and don one's [[Tallit]] but rather engage oneself doing something else, then return and put them on in the right order; [[Tallit]] first then [[Tefillin]]. </ref>

## If there are [[Tefillin]] in the room that one is in and there is a [[Tallit]] in the next room, the principle of not passing up the mitzvah applies and so one should put on the [[Tefillin]] first or leave the [[Tefillin]], engage in another activity and then get the [[Tallit]] first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:4 writes that the principle of not passing up on a mitzvah applies even to when one mitzvah is in the room that one is in and the other mitzvah is in another room. Therefore the same halacha as when one picks up [[Tefillin]] before the [[Tallit]] applies. </ref>

# If one first made a mistake by taking the [[Tefillin]] and then made another mistake by putting down the [[Tefillin]], one should put on the [[Tallit]] first, since one has already put the [[Tefillin]] down. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:5, Halacha Brurah (Birur Halach 25:2) </ref>  

# There is a doubt regarding a situation where one would be embarrassed to put on [[Tefillin]] without a [[Tallit]], as to whether one can put on the [[Tallit]] first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha 25) writes that if one is embarrassed to put on the [[Tefillin]] first there is a doubt whether one may put on the [[Tallit]] first. Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 318) writes that since we hold that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah is only derabbanan, we override the Derabbanan with Kavod HaBriot. Whether not passing up a mitzvah is derabbanan or deoraitah is a dispute in the rishonim and achronim, see Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 317-8). </ref>

# If one can only afford either a Tallit or [[Tefillin]], one should buy [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:3 </ref>

# When putting on [[Tefillin]] one should have the following kavana (intent): "Hashem commended us to wear these 4 parshiot (in the Tefllin) which speak of the oneness of Hashem and exodus of Egypt in order that we remember the miracles that reflect Hashem’s total control over the upper and lower worlds." One should also have intent to make one’s Nishama in one’s brain and the heart which is the seat of emotion and thought, subservient to Hashem, and in this way one will remember Hashem and minimize one’s personal pleasures. <Ref> S”A 25:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 1 </ref>

# It is very important to have said kavana, however in the case where one did not have such intent one has still fulfilled one's obligation, bediavad. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:16 </ref>

# It is also important to have intent that one is doing the mitzvah in order to fulfill a biblical obligation. <ref> S”A 60:4 </ref>

# First one puts on the [[Tefillin]] of the arm before putting on the [[Tefillin]] of the head. <ref>Rashi Yoma 33b "Avurei" learns this from the concept of ein maavirin al hamitzvot. Tosfot there "avurei" questions this because the gemara Menachot 36a derives this from the pasuk (Devarim 6:8, see above) of [[Tefillin]], which mentions arm before head. Therefore Tosfot interpret the gemara in Yoma as referring to the placement of the [[Tefillin]] in the bag. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 18. Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 6 says that this order has great kabbalistic significance as well. Chazon Ovadia Chelek 2 page 209 says that the order relates to the idea of naase vinishma (Shemot 24:7, that the Jews accepted to observe the commandments and only afterwards understand them) because the [[Tefillin]] shel yad represent our actions and the shel rosh represent our understanding </ref> Therefore one should be careful to arrange the [[Tefillin]] in the case so that one takes the [[Tefillin]] shel yad first. Furthermore, it is proper to keep the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh in one's bag or at least still wrapped until one is finished donning the [[Tefillin]] shel yad. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 20 </ref>

# Right handed people wear the [[Tefillin]] on their left arm and left handed people place it on their right arm. Whether you are right handed or left handed is determined by which hand you write with. Someone who is completely ambidextrous should place it on the left arm. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 27:1, 27:6 based on gemara Menachot 37a. Halacha Brurah 27:21 writes that someone who writes with one hand and performs all other activities with another is considered praiseworthy if he places [[Tefillin]] on the other hand in addition, however without making a bracha on the second [[Tefillin]]. This is also the ruling of Rabbi Eli Mansour http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1101 </ref> One who in the past performed all activities with his right hand but for whatever reason has lost use of it and now his left becomes stronger should place it on the right arm. <ref> Mishna Brurah 27:22 </ref>

# Even if someone's heart is on the right side, a righty should still place Tefilin on the left arm.<ref>Halacha Brurah 27:4</ref>

# The Sephardic minhag is to place the [[Tefillin]] shel yad while seated and the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh while standing, <ref> Kaf HaChaim 25:33, Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:36, Chesed La'alafim 25:4. </ref> and remain standing while wrapping the [[Tefillin]] around the hand. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:68, Chesed La'alafim 25:11, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 18 </ref> A Sephardi who prays in an Ashkenazic [[minyan]] should place his [[Tefillin]] according to Sephardic minhag. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:36 </ref>

# According to some poskim one may kiss one's [[Tefillin]] shel rosh when one takes them out of one's bag even though one should try not to interrupt between the [[Tefillin]] shel yad and shel, rosh since kissing it is giving it honor, it is permitted. <ref>Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:27:1 </ref>

# Sephardim have the custom to recite the passages of "kadesh li" and vihaya ki yiveacha," two of the four passages in [[Tefillin]] after putting them on. <ref> Od Yosef Chaim Vayera 25 </ref>  

# The bracha of [[shehecheyanu]] is not recited the first time someone puts on [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Chida in Machazik Bracha 22, Kaf Hachaim Palachi 10:8 based on Tosfot Menachot 75, against the tosefta [[Brachot]] 6:10 which says that when one makes [[Tzitzit]] or [[Tefillin]], to make a [[shehecheyanu]], this is brought down by the Rambam Hilchot [[Brachot]] 11:9. However, the Beiur Halacha 22:1 and Kaf Hachayim 22:2 both suggest to put on a new garment and say the [[shehecheyanu]] on that immediately before putting on [[Tefillin]] for the first time, while having in mind to cover the [[Tefillin]] as well, in order to avoid the safek. </ref>

# If one injured one's arm, one should wrap one's [[Tefillin]] on top of the rag that covers the wound. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, place of donning and how to don, seif 10 </ref> Nonetheless, one should try to avoid wrapping one's [[Tefillin]] over one's bandage. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, place of donning and how to don, seif 11 </ref> Furthermore, in a case where donning the [[Tefillin]] over a rag is necessary, one does not recite a bracha on the [[Tefillin]] shel yad, but one should recite a bracha on the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh and have the [[Tefillin]] shel yad in mind. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, place of donning and how to don, seif 12 </ref>

==If One Mistakenly Put on the Tefillin Shel Rosh First==

# If one mistakenly took the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh first, one must put it down and put on the [[Tefillin]] Shel Yad first. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:6, Kaf Hachayim 25:42 </ref>

# If one mistakenly put on the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh first, one should put on the [[Tefillin]] shel yad afterwards and need not take off the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh before putting the [[Tefillin]] shel yad on. However, if one put the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh on incorrectly, one should take it off, put on the [[Tefillin]] shel yad, and then re-don the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, one who only has one tefila, seif 2 </ref>

==If One Only Has One of the Tefillin==

# If one only has one of the [[Tefillin]], either the one shel rosh or the one she yad, one should wear the one that one has and say the bracha. Similarly, if one of one's [[Tefillin]] are pasul one should still wear the other and recite the bracha on it. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, one who only has one tefila, seif 1 </ref>

==Brachot of Tefillin==

# Before the strap of the arm [[Tefillin]] is tightened, the blessing of להניח תפילין is said. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:8 </ref> If someone forgot to recite the blessing before tightening the arm [[Tefillin]] one should still recite the bracha, even if one has already placed one's head [[Tefillin]]. <Ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:49 </ref>

# Upon placement of the head [[Tefillin]], Sephardic and Hasidic authorities are of the opinion that the blessing on laying the head [[Tefillin]] is not necessary and the one blessing on laying the arm [[Tefillin]] is sufficient. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:5 </ref> Ashkenazim do recite a second blessing of על מצות תפילין on the head [[Tefillin]], before tightening it around the head‏. <ref> Rama 25:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 3. Kaf Hachayim 25:40 writes that a Sephardi who hears the bracha on the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh is permitted to answer [[amen]] in his head. </ref>  It is also customary to add the phrase ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם וע‏ד because of the doubt as too the necessity of the bracha. <ref> Rama 25:5 </ref>

# It is strictly forbidden to talk between the placement of the arm and head [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:9 based on Gemara Menachot 36a, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10:3. see also Gemara Sota 44b which informs us that for such a transgression an individual would return from the battlefield</ref> Furthermore, one should not answer [[Kaddish]] or [[Kedusha]] between putting on [[Tefillin]] shel yad and [[Tefillin]] shel rosh, yet one should pause to listen to [[Kaddish]] or [[Kedusha]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 25:10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 14 </ref> If one mistakenly answered, one does not recite a bracha on the head [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:63-64, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 14 </ref> One should not answer "[[amen]]" to another's bracha between donning the [[Tefillin]] shel yad and [[Tefillin]] shel rosh. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 15 </ref> Nevertheless, if one accidentally answered "[[amen]]" to another's bracha, one does not make a bracha on the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[Tefillin]], seif 15 </ref>

# However, if one spoke by mistake about things unrelated to the [[Tefillin]], one must recite the bracha of al mitzvat [[Tefillin]] as the Ashkenazim do. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:9, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 3 </ref> If one mistakenly spoke about things related to the [[Tefillin]] one need not recite another bracha. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:10 </ref>  

# If one removes one's [[Tefillin]] in order to go to the bathroom one recites a new bracha upon putting them back on. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer 8:2 </ref>

# It is prohibited to recite a bracha on stolen [[Tefillin]], including [[Tefillin]] that one bought from a thief. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 30 </ref>

# If one removes one's [[Tefillin]] and puts on a different pair, one recites a bracha upon donning the other pair. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[Tefillin]], seif 23 </ref>

# If one removed one's [[Tefillin]] without the intention of putting them back on and then decides to put them back on, one recites another bracha when putting them back on. However, if one removed one's [[Tefillin]] with the intention of putting them back, one does not recite another bracha when putting them back on. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 21 </ref>

# After putting on [[Tefillin]], there is a minhag to recite the parshiot of "Vehaya Ki Yivecha" and "Kadish Li" since they appear in the Tefillin.<ref>Mishna Brurah 25:16, Yalkut Yosef 28:11</ref> While some say that one does not need to recite them, it is proper to say them anyway. <ref>Halacha Brurah 25:21</ref>

==Where the Tefillin Are Placed==

[[Image:Tefillin shel yad placement.png|200px|right]]

# 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>

==Removing the Tefillin==

# According to Ashkenazim, one should remove one's [[Tefillin]] standing, however, the Sephardic minhag is to remove the [[Tefillin]] shel yad sitting.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:20, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur 10:26)</ref>

# The Ben Ish Chai says to remove [[Tefillin]] as follows: standing or sitting, first remove finger, hand, and two windings of forearm. Then stand to take off shel rosh and sit to take off rest of shel yad. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara: halacha 10. </ref> In contrast, Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano maintains that one should remove [[Tefillin]] in the following manner: remove [[Tefillin]] shel yad from hand and a little bit of one's arm and [[Tefillin]] shel rosh while standing, then wrap the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh and return it to its bag, afterwards sit down to remove the rest of the [[Tefillin]] shel yad and return it to its bag. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 38 </ref>

# One should remove one's [[Tefillin]] shel rosh before one's [[Tefillin]] shel yad.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:20</ref>

# One should not remove one's [[Tallit]] until one removed one's [[Tefillin]].<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:20</ref>

# One should wait until at least the [[kedusha]] of uva litzion before removing one's [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:13, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:19, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 31 </ref> Preferably though one should wait until after "al ken" in alenu lishabeach. <ref> Arizal in Shaar Kavanot derush 5 [[Tefillin]], Ben Ish Chai Parashat Chayei Sara: halacha 10. </ref> There is Kabbalistic significance in waiting until the mourner's [[kaddish]] that takes place after alenu leshabeach to take off one's [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 30 </ref>

# Ideally, one should learn a little bit of Torah after [[prayers]] while still wearing [[Tefillin]]. <ref> Arizal quoted by Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara 11, Chida in machazik bracha siman 25, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 32. </ref>  

# On a day when there is [[Kriyat HaTorah]], one should not remove one's [[Tefillin]] until the Torah is returned to the Aron, however, if one must do so, one should put one's [[Tallit]] over one's head when removing the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh in order that one's head be covered during the return of the sefer Torah. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 33 </ref>

# When there is a [[brit mila]], one should keep one's [[Tefillin]] on throughout because the [[brit mila]] and [[Tefillin]] are both an "ot." The minhag is that the sandak, mohel, and father of the son receiving the berit mila procedure keep their [[Tefillin]] on. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 37. </ref>

# One should remove the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh with one's weaker hand to show one's desire to fulfill mitzvot and reluctance to stop. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara: Halacha 10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of the donning of [[tefillin]], seif 39. </ref>

# It is a nice practice to kiss the [[Tefillin]] upon removing them. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 28:3, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, distraction from [[tefillin]] and their removal, seif 11</ref>

# When putting the [[Tefillin]] back, one should place the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh on the bag's left. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, distraction from [[tefillin]] and their removal, seif 7 </ref>

# One should be careful not to put one's [[Tallit]] or siddur on top of one's [[Tefillin]] when placing one's religious articles back in one's bag. <ref> Kitzur Shulchan Aruch of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, distraction from [[Tefillin]] and their removal, seif 8 </ref>

# One should wrap up one's [[Tefillin]] personally, and not leave it to another to do, in order to demonstrate love for the mitzvah. <ref> Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:28:1 </ref>

==Lefties and Righties==

# A righty wears his [[Tefillin]] shel yad on his left hand.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 27:1</ref>

# A lefty who writes and does everything that requires one hand with his stronger left hand, wears his [[Tefillin]] shel yad on his right hand.<ref>Gemara Menachot 36b-37a, Shulchan Aruch 27:6</ref>

# A lefty who writes with one hand and does everything else with his other hand, some say the hand he writes with is considered primary and he should wear [[Tefillin]] on the opposite one, while others say that the generally stronger hand is the primary one.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 27:6 quotes both opinions. Rama says that the minhag is to consider the hand that writes primary. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe O.C. 4:1 discusses this topic at length and concludes in favor of the opinion that considers the stronger hand primary.</ref>

# Someone who is ambidextrous should wear his [[Tefillin]] shel yad on his left hand. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 27:6</ref>

==Wrappings around the Hand==

# The [[Tefillin]] Shel Yad should be put on the left arm on the area where the muscle bulges in the lower half of the area between the elbow and armpit. <Ref> S”A 27:1, Mishna Brurah 27:4 </ref> One should make sure not to put the [[Tefillin]] within two fingerbreadths of one’s elbow. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 quoted [[Tefillah]] LeMoshe 7:7 </ref>

# The [[Tefillin]] should be tilted slightly towards the body so that when the arm is bent the [[Tefillin]] faces the heart. <Ref> S”A 27:1 </ref>

# The knot which looks like a Yud on the [[Tefillin]] Shel Yad should be facing inward and touching the main [[Tefillin]] box. <Ref> S”A 27:2. Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 15 says that according to Kabbalah the yud should be touching the box even when the [[Tefillin]] are wrapped in their boxes. Shaare Teshuva OC 27:2 quotes the Shalmei Tzibbur saying the same. </ref>

# The Minhag is to put the Maavarta (bridge) part of the [[Tefillin]] facing the shoulder. <Ref> S”A 27:3 </ref> The Maavarta should also be below halfway between the elbow and armpit. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 inferring from Mishna Brurah 27:34</ref>

# It is better when the Maavarta is placed above halfway between the elbow and armpit and not to have the main box of [[Tefillin]] be within 2 fingerbreadths of one’s elbow. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 quoting Shraga HaMeir 6:46 </ref>

# Many authorities are lenient and do not believe a [[Netilat Yadayim]] is required if one touches the skin in the area where the [[Tefillin]] Shel Yad is placed or rubs one’s hair while putting on [[Tefillin]] shel rosh, <ref> Halichot Shlomo ([[Tefillah]] 4:3), Sh”T Shelmat Chaim 39-40, Kaf HaChaim 4:59 </ref> however, some are strict and would reuire one to wash. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:2 quoting Dinim Vehanahot LeChazon Ish 3:10 and Chelkat Yehoshua 6:7</ref>

# Nothing may interpose between the [[Tefillin]] or the area where the straps wrap around the arm and one’s body. However, in the area of the knot one may have an interposition. <Ref>S”A 27:4, Mishna Brurah 27:16 </ref>

==Physical Separation/Chatzitza==

# One should ensure that there is no interposition between the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh and one's head or the [[Tefillin]] shel yad and one's arm. <ref> Bet Yosef 27:4 quotes a dispute between the Rosh (Hilchot [[Tefillin]] 18, Sh"t HaRosh 3:4) who says that that there may not be any interposition between the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh and one's head and the [[Tefillin]] shel yad and one's arm and the Rashba ([[Megillah]] 24b s.v. Sipah) who allows putting [[Tefillin]] on top of an interposition. [See the Sh"t HaRashba Sh"t 3:282 where at first he acknowledges the explanation of the Rosh but comments that this is the halacha lo lemaaseh and continues to elaborate on his own explanation until he concludes that his approach is the halacha.] Shulchan Aruch 27:4 rules like the Rosh. The Rama 27:4 says that this only applies for the batim (boxes) themselves and not the retzuot (straps) but Mishna Brurah 27:16 says that one should not be lenient in this. Shulchan Aruch 27:5 allows to be lenient if one needs to, for some medical reason and therefore needs a head covering, one may wear them above a thin hat. The Rama there says in that case one may however not say a bracha. </ref>

# The following are considered items that separate between the [[Tefillin]] and one's body: loose dirt <ref> Mishna Brurah 27:14 </ref>, water in your hair <ref> Shaare [[Teshuva]] 27:6 says one should make sure to dry one's hair well if one wet it before putting on the [[Tefillin]], both because it could damage the [[Tefillin]], and because the water itself could be considered a separation.</ref>, a wig <ref> Mishna Brurah 27:16 </ref> a toupee <ref> Iggerot Moshe OC 4:40:18 says that if removing it in public would embarrass the person then he should put on [[Tefillin]] in private with a bracha without the toupee and then go to shul and put it on there over the toupee without a bracha. Hair that is transplanted is considered part of the head and is not a problem. see [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=2233 Daily Halacha (by Rabbi Mansour)].</ref>, and long hair.<ref> Machatzit Hashekel 27 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:6 say that although short hair would not be a problem, excessively long hair could be. The Pri Megadim 27 says that hair which is not located in its place of growth but rather has been brushed across from another part of the head, constitutes a chatzitza in [[Tefillin]]. Mishna Brurah 27:14-15 agrees to this, and says that it also could be hard to keep the [[Tefillin]] lined up between the eyes and at the right height with long hair. Aruch Hashulchan 27:14 and Rav Ovadia (Yechave Daat 2:2(22)) hold that there is what to rely on regarding really long hair. The Aruch Hashulchan says only hair moved from another place would be problematic. </ref>.

#Though it is not befitting for Bnei Torah to have long hair, it does not constitute a chatzitzah for the [[Tefillin]] shel rosh <ref>Yechave Daat 2:2, based on a Sefek Sefeika: maybe the Halacha is like the Rosh (against Shulchan Aruch) that there is no Chatzitzah issue by [[Tefillin]] shel rosh, and, even if the Halacha is like the Rashba and not the Rosh, maybe hair is not a Chatzitzah, as it is Min beMino. Additionally, we do not find that the Poskim mentioned a Chatzitza issue for an Avel during Shloshim.</ref>

# A wristwatch does not need to be removed. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 3:2, Sh"t Yabia Omer 2:2 and Rav Ovadia writes that one who is stringent will be blessed. Emes liYaakov OC 27:note 31 says even though the Rama 27:4 based on the teshuva of the Rashba 1:827 says one does not need to worry about barriers except for between the skin and the boxes, that if one is accustomed to removing it one should continue doing so, as there are some poskim who are stringent on barriers on any part of the arm or head [[Tefillin]] </ref>

# If one is unable to remove a bandage or a cast one should wear the [[Tefillin]] without a bracha. This only applies if the separation is between the body and the boxes, but if the separation is only with the straps the bracha should be recited as usual. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 2:2 </ref>

[[Category:Orach Chaim]]

[[Category:Prayer]]