Learn more about Phylacteries

Introduction to Phylacteries

Phylacteries, known in Hebrew as "tefillin," are small, black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with specific verses from the Torah. These are worn by Jewish men, particularly during weekday morning prayers, in observance of the commandment to "bind these words as a sign upon your hands and between your eyes" (Deuteronomy 6:8). Phylacteries are a tangible manifestation of faith, serving as a reminder of God’s presence and commandments. They have profound religious significance in Judaism, symbolizing the connection between the individual and God.

Phylacteries Pronunciation

The word “phylacteries” is pronounced as fi-LAK-tuh-reez. In Hebrew, “tefillin” is pronounced as teh-FEE-leen.

Phylacteries in the Bible

The concept of phylacteries is derived from specific commandments in the Torah. The most direct reference comes from passages in the Book of Deuteronomy and the Book of Exodus:

• Deuteronomy 6:4-9: This passage, part of the Shema, commands the Israelites to keep God’s words in their hearts and to bind them as a sign on their hands and between their eyes. This was interpreted to mean the physical practice of wearing tefillin.
• Exodus 13:1-10: God commands the Israelites to consecrate their firstborn and to remember their redemption from Egypt by wearing a sign on their hands and foreheads. This commandment is understood as a precursor to the practice of phylacteries.

Though the term "phylacteries" itself is not explicitly used in the Bible, the practice of wearing these symbolic items comes from the instructions in these verses. In the New Testament, the Pharisees are mentioned as wearing "broad phylacteries" (Matthew 23:5), which may indicate the practice had become more elaborate or showy in certain circles by that time. This reference is often interpreted as a critique of the Pharisees' tendency to make their religious practices public and ostentatious.

Phylacteries in Jewish Tradition

Phylacteries play a central role in Jewish daily prayer rituals. They consist of two small leather boxes—one worn on the arm and the other on the forehead. The one worn on the arm contains four Torah passages (Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and Deuteronomy 11:13-21) written on scrolls. The box worn on the forehead contains the first two sections of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The tefillin are to be worn during weekday morning prayers as a physical reminder of God’s commandments and presence.

Related Themes and Meanings to Phylacteries

• The Shema: The central prayer in Judaism, emphasizing the oneness of God and the importance of loving Him with all one's heart, soul, and might. The Shema is recited while wearing phylacteries.
• The Binding of God’s Words: Tefillin serve as a literal interpretation of the command in Deuteronomy 6:8 to "bind these words as a sign upon your hands and between your eyes." This reflects the deep commitment to the observance of the commandments.
• Holiness and Separation: The practice of wearing phylacteries symbolizes the distinction between the holy and the ordinary. The physical act of donning tefillin is a daily reminder of the sacred covenant between God and the Jewish people.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Phylacteries

• The word "phylactery" comes from the Greek word "phulakterion," meaning "safeguard" or "protection," reflecting the idea that the tefillin serve to protect the wearer by reminding them of God’s laws and presence.
• Phylacteries are worn by Jewish men, typically from the age of 13, as part of the religious obligations of the Bar Mitzvah. However, it is not obligatory for women to wear phylacteries, though some women in more progressive Jewish communities may choose to do so.
• In the Talmud, there are detailed discussions about the proper way to make and wear tefillin. For example, the scrolls inside must be written by a qualified scribe, and the boxes must be made with special attention to detail.
• The practice of wearing phylacteries has been a subject of debate and interpretation throughout Jewish history. Some rabbis in the medieval period argued that the tefillin should only be worn during specific prayers, while others held that they should be worn at all times during the day for spiritual enrichment.
• In Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for making their phylacteries "wide," likely referring to their attempts to outwardly show their piety and religious devotion, rather than internalizing these practices.