What is Tefillin?

Viewed
6
Saved
0
Partner
Content
Video
Jewish Tradition
Tefilah (Prayer)
6 - 7
8 - 12

Why do Jews wrap their heads and arms in leather straps and little black boxes called tefillin? Why are they such an important part of Jewish prayer? Zak Lenik decides to find out. In speaking with experts in "spiritual technology," Hasidic thought and kiruv (bringing Jews closer to Judaism), Zak discovers that tefillin are more than just little boxes made of cowhide. They are in fact the secret to Jewish mindfulness and magical perspective.

View Resources
icon Save to library
Share

Big Ideas

  1. Starting the day with intention and ritual can help connect your thoughts, feelings and actions in a meaningful way.
  2. The texts included in tefillin stress the Jewish people’s commitments and relationship with God.
  3. Wearing tefillin is a way for Jews to renew their relationship with God everyday.

Essential Questions

  1. Why do Jews wear tefillin?
  2. How can wearing tefillin help start our day off right?
  3. How can we remind ourselves of our commitments each day?

Details

Setting

  • Congregational Learning
  • Day Schools and Yeshivas
  • Teen Engagement

Discover more

Devash: Parashat Bo
Devash: Parashat Bo

Devash is a weekly parashah magazine that makes learning Torah sweet!

83
3
High Holidays Resources
High Holidays Resources

Prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with The Lookstein Center's newly expanded High Holidays resources.

656
4
Sukkot and Simchat Torah with the National Library of Israel

Sukkot around the globe and Simchat Torah flags dating back to the 16th century.

153
3