What is a Phylactery?

It would be safe to say that the majority of the world’s population doesn’t know what a phylactery is. The large Jewish population would certainly know, as would those who have Jewish friends and work associates. Phylactery is also known by the name “tefillin.” In fact, the Hebrew word is Tefillin.

They are leather boxes worn on the head and on the arm for specific Jewish services. The boxes are made in a cube shape and are used in sets of two. According to guidelines, a phylactery is colored black with a certain type of black dye (made from a vegetable base). The boxes and straps are made of cow hide or sheep hide.

Phylactery/Tefillin are used to hold small pieces of parchment/paper on which are written four specific sections of the Hebrew Bible. The passages refer to the commitment of Jews to love God and observe the laws as stated. In addition, the contents of a Tefillin help Jews remember the Exodus.

Guidelines for wearing a Tefillin/phylactery show that adult males are to place one box on their left arm, in the bicep area. Straps are wound around the arm and hand. A second phylactery is worn on the head. Instructions state that males over the age of 13 wear these during morning prayers.

Phylactery may be the common name among the non-Jewish population but the Hebrew word Tefillin comes from the same language base as the Greek word “tefillin.” Jewish history indicates that the laws for wearing phylacteries were determined by Rabbis who interpreted the passages from the Hebrew Bible. Other written narratives about the practice of wearing Tefillin/phylacteries indicate that the specifics for their use are based on tradition. Only the general idea comes from the Bible passages, according to this information.

Texts were interpreted to uncover Bible foundations for the custom of using the four designated sections of the Bible. Encyclopedia information shows that there are many laws associated with Tefillin than with most other parts of Judaism.

As mentioned, the phylactery is a leather box. The skin/hide must be from an animal that is considered “clean.” In addition, the boxes must be basically square, not rectangular (though the height might be slightly more than width, for example). Straps are of leather as well and are attached with twelve stitches, according to tradition and law. The method of tying the straps is also very specific, with differences for the phylactery on the head and the phylactery on the arm.

Jewish tradition indicates that the phylactery on the head must have a specific letter of the alphabet on it. Letters are formed by the knots tying the straps as well. Other details for the construction of the Tefillin/phylactery – the straps must have a specific thickness (length of a grain of oats). The contents of the boxes must be sections from Exodus and Deuteronomy. The parchment pieces are prepared specifically for inclusion in the phylactery.