Tefillin Around the World: A Soldier's Quiet Mission

About eight months ago, Yakir Assraf finished his army service and, like many young Israelis, set off to explore the world. But Yakir’s trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. Along with his backpack, he brought his tefillin (small black leather boxes containing sacred Torah verses).

It all started with a single photo.

“I was in Mongolia,” Yakir shared in an interview. “After my morning prayers, I took a picture of my hand wrapped in tefillin with the mountains in the background. I sent it to my family—but when I looked at it again, I realized it captured something deeper.”

From that moment on, Yakir began taking similar photos wherever he went. “Every time I found myself in a special place, I’d put on my tefillin and take a photo while praying,” he said.

The result? A stunning collection of images—moments of quiet faith set against landscapes from across the globe.

“It’s like your hand is reaching out to connect with something higher,” the interviewer said.

“Exactly,” Yakir replied. “It’s a way to feel close to Hashem, even far from home. There’s something powerful about combining the physical with the spiritual, especially in nature.”

His photos have touched many hearts online. For those new to Judaism, Yakir’s journey is a beautiful reminder that connection to tradition doesn’t have to stay in a synagogue—it can travel with you, wherever you go.