Crowned in Glory: Respecting Tefillin

How Black Is Black?

Question: If the black has worn off my tefillin straps in places, what should I do?

Answer: The straps should be recolored black; meanwhile, you should use other tefillin, as the straps must be completely black.

(At the place where the knot is tightened in the strap, one must be especially vigilant about the blackness, as it tends to rub off there more than in other areas.)

The Yud and the Box

Question: Does the Yud knot have to come into contact with the box of the tefillin shel yad (placed on the arm)?

Answer: Yes, the Yud knot should touch the box of the tefillin shel yad, and one should be careful not to let it move away. The Zohar is very strict about this, and some even stress the importance of this even when the tefillin shel yad is placed in its bag.

No Interruptions

Question: If I am in the middle of laying tefillin and I hear someone making a brachah, should I say Amen?

Answer: In between placing the tefillin shel rosh (on the head) and the tefillin shel yad, you should not respond Amen to any brachah you may hear. Instead, listen intently and think the Amen without verbalizing it. Even gestures such as pointing to something or glancing with one's eyes may not be made in-between laying the tefillin shel rosh and the tefillin shel yad.

No Distractions

Question: May I just put my head down on the table for a few minutes' nap while wearing tefillin?

Answer: No, even a short nap is forbidden while wearing tefillin. While wearing them, one must constantly be aware of their presence and take care not to disrespect the tefillin in any way. This includes chatting about mundane things, as one should focus solely on holy matters while wearing tefillin.