Examining, Checking & Correcting the Blackness of Tefillin
Making Certain that the Kesharim (knots),Tefiros (stitching), Squareness of ones Tefillin – Are in Good Order
Edited by: TJVNews.com
One of the most important Mitzvas performed by a man from the day he becomes Bar Mitzva’d is the daily donning of Kosher Tefillin which he is privileged to perform about 300 days each year. Every Mitzva has strict Halachos in how they are to be properly observed and performed. The Mitzva of wearing Tefillin is no exception to this rule and Tefillin also has strict Halochos that must be adhered in its performance and these requirements are mandated by Halacha. As a matter of a community service, in 2007 Rabbi Avrohom B. Schachter through the Vani Tefillah Foundation, launched the Tefillin Awareness Project, also known as Hanacha K’Halacha – which Boruch Hashem to date has saved and assisted tens of thousands of people in properly performing the beautiful Mitzva of Tefillin.
The main thrust of the Tefillin Awareness Project is to make certain that the exterior appearance of the Tefillin are in proper good order. To that extent, Rabbi Schachter has a assembled a team of qualified Sofrim who accompany him on visits to various Shuls across the United States. To date, Rabbi Schachter estimates that the Tefillin Awareness Project has visited over 800 locations.
On June 12, 2022, the Tefillin Awareness Project visited the Young Israel of Staten Island, the largest Synagogue in the Borough and one of the premiere branches of the National Council of Young Israel. The Young Israel of Staten Island currently is under the dynamic leadership of its highly respected Mora D’asra Rabbi Yaakov Lehrfield and its Assistant Rabbi Joshua Sturm.
At Young Israel of Staten Island, their spacious gymnasium was transformed into a Sofer’s Examination Room. Four major stations were set up manned by Rabbi Nochum Greenspan, Rabbi Moshe Leib Lebowitz, Rabbi Chaim Meth and Rabbi Shimon Zeide all expert Sofrim and all with the specific attention of making certain from the blackness of the Tefillin to the Tefiros of the Tefillin have the proper kosher appearance as required by Halacha. These Sofrim together with an abundance of patience, examined about 200 pairs of Tefillin, many requiring appropriate adjustments and some fixing, and the restoration or replacement of the Retzuah straps. Thanks to the important efforts of the Tefillin Awareness Project, about 200 men walked away with having their Tefillin now in good order and the ability to perform properly the Mitzva of Tefillin.
Rabbi Schachter explains that the Tefillin Awareness Project does this as a public service to the Jewish community free of charge. However, the expenses that cover the costs for the Sofrim, and the specialty supplies require a sponsorship in most situations. If one wants to partner in this big Mitzva they should feel free to contribute, to strengthen its public service to the Jewish community. The organization can be reached at [email protected] or 646-776-2220.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations and Executive Vice-President of the Igud HaRabbonim, Rabbinical Alliance of America stated, “one of the saddest periods Klal Yisrael just experienced was the Pandemic. The Pandemic was a silent invisible enemy that tested our Emunah, faith which is also invisible. Tefillin gives us the ability to connect privately and intimately in Tefila with our Creator on a daily basis. Thank you Rabbi Schachter and the Tefillin Awareness Project for giving us the ability to come closer to Hashem – when we speak with Him at Shacharis. By helping us with the Mitzva of Tefillin, you have given us the ability to focus on Davening and strengthening our Emunah. You have given us a gift and the ability to have the strength and fortitude in overcoming with Hashem’s help only the gloominess of the Pandemic.”