Chabad Tefillin
What Are Chabad Tefillin?
Chabad Tefillin are distinguished by their large size – usually 4×4 cm – and by the community’s meticulous devotion to halachic precision and unique tradition. They are considered among the most Mehudar tefillin, representing a blend of halachic excellence and Chabad heritage.
Unique Chabad Customs
- The entire process of donning tefillin is performed while standing.
- The blessing is recited once the tefillin shel yad are placed on the arm, before tightening, with intent to cover also the shel rosh.
- The knot of the shel yad follows the Alter Rebbe’s custom, symbolizing the mitzvah of “Uk’shartem” (“And you shall bind”).
- The straps on the arm are wrapped in a unique sequence: 1 wrap, pause; 2 wraps, pause; then 4 wraps – totaling 7 wraps.
- On the middle finger, 3 additional wraps are made – symbolizing the bond of marriage between Israel and G-d.
- The straps of the shel rosh are extra long, reaching down to the legs, while ensuring they never touch the ground.
- The size of the batim is “two finger-breadths by two” – about 4 cm – which distinguishes Chabad Tefillin from others.
Two Main Versions
- Arizal version – followed by part of the Chabad community.
- Alter Rebbe version – with each parsha placed in a separate compartment of the shel rosh, considered an additional hiddur.
The Essence of Chabad Tefillin
Chabad Tefillin emphasize not only halachic hiddur but also Chabad’s unique heritage, precise customs, and spiritual symbolism passed down through generations. Wearing Chabad Tefillin is a reflection of both devotion to halacha and deep connection to the Chabad tradition.
