Put on Tefillin today to ensure the Safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel, Especially the IDF

Put on Tefillin for Israel Today

On the eve of the Six Day War in 1967, when the entire world predicted Israel's demise, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson OBM, initiated the Tefillin campaign, and assured us that great miracles are in store. He quoted the Divine promise that in the merit of the mitzvah of Tefillin, "all the nations of the world will see that the name of G-d is called upon you, and they will fear you" (Deuteronomy 28:10).

The Donning of Tefillin daily (except on the Sabbath and some Jewish holidays) by Jewish men over the age of 13 years old is one of the most important of the 613 Commandments in the Torah. It is particularly important that all Jewish men fulfill this commandment of donning Tefillin during these challenging days for our brothers and sisters living in the holy land of Israel. The Rebbe told us that the donning of Tefillin by Jewish men will assist IDF military personnel in being victorious over their enemies and will bring their enemies to fear them. To read all about the commandment of Tefillin go to http://www.chabad.org//Tefillin

Please put on Tefillin today before Shabbat or on Sunday or any day next week. If you do not have your own Tefillin, please call me at 305 725-2439 or reply to this email and I will arrange for a Rabbi to come and put on Tefillin with you.

If you are willing to put on Tefillin daily, I can help you get your own Tefillin. Please reply to this email if you are interested in this.

Tefillin and Its Significance

Tefillin is one of the most important Mitzvol (precepts) of the Torah. It has been observed and treasured for thousands of years, right down to the present day. The Torah mentions it more than once, but most explicitly in Deut. 6:8 "You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they should be for a reminder between your eyes."

Tefillin consists of two small leather boxes attached to leather straps. The two boxes each contain four sections of the Torah inscribed on parchment. These passages cite:

(a) The Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) - pronouncing the Unity of The One G-d.

(b) Vehayah (Deut. 11:13-21) - expressing G-d's assurance to us of reward that will follow our observance of the Torah's precepts, and warning of retribution for disobedience to them.

(c) Kadesh (Ex. 13:1-10) - the duty of the Jewish people to always remember the redemption from Egyptian bondage.

(d) Vehayah (Ex. 13:11-16) - the obligation of every Jew to inform his children on these matters.

One of the boxes (the "hand Tefillin") is placed upon the left arm so as to rest against the heart - the seat of the emotions, and the suspended leather strap is wound around the left hand, and around the middle finger of that hand. The other box (the "Head Tefillin") is placed upon the head, above the forehead, so as to rest upon the cerebrum. In this manner our attention is directed to the head, heart and hand. It teaches us to dedicate ourselves to the service of G-d in all that we think, feel and do. It is also to teach us not to be governed solely by the impulse of the heart, lest that lead us into error and transgression. Nor are we to be governed by reason alone, for that may lead to harsh materialism.

Placed on the arm opposite the heart, and on the head, the Tefillin signify the submission of one's mind, heart and actions to the Almighty, as well as the rule of intellect over emotion.

A fundamental principle of Chabad Chassidic philosophy is that the intellect must control the emotions. Unfortunately, there exists a schism between the mind and the heart. Moreover, often the emotions control the mind, and the intellect is utilized merely to provide justification, rationalization, and excuses for this "instinct-emotion centered" existence. The Mitzvah of Tefillin and its practice facilitates the attainment by the individual of unity of mind and heart, intellect and emotion.

Rabbi Menachem Katz

The Aleph Institute
9540 Collins Ave

Surfside, FL 33154

Phone:
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www.alephinstitute.org

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