What to Do If Tefillin Fall on the Floor?

Greetings,

1. If the tefillin fell on the floor when they were not in their "box," the common custom is to fast (Mishnah Berurah Siman 40, Mishna 24).

However, in our times, when the generations have weakened, it is possible to be lenient and redeem the fast by giving charity equivalent to the value of the meals you eat from morning until evening (see Responsa Chaim Shaal Part 1, Siman 12, and the book Ashrei Ha-Ish Part Orach Chaim Part 1, Chapter 6, Section 6) or by observing a"taanit d'varim" from morning until evening (see Responsa Ravavot Efrayim Part 6, beginning of Siman 14, in the name of the book Hilchot V'Hanhagot from the author Kehilas Yaakov, page 23, in the name of Rabbi Yisroel Kanievsky ztz"l, and the book Or Litzion Part 3, page 284, beginning with "and").

Of course, it is necessary to check the square of the Tefillin to ensure that it has not undergone any damage that would invalidate the Tefillin.

2. If the Tefillin were in their "box," there is no need to fast, and it is sufficient to give a small coin to charity (see Mishnah Berurah there).

3. If the Tefillin fell on the table or similar, there is no need to fast; nevertheless, it is correct to give a small coin to charity (see Kaf HaChaim Siman 40, Mishna 7, and Responsa Afrekasta D'Anya Part 3, Siman 104).

Best regards,

Hillel Meir