Tefillin - Whats its Purpose?
Tefillin is one of the most important Mitzvot 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 "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: The Shema - pronouncing the Unity of The One G-d. Vehayah - 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. Kadesh - the duty of the Jewish people to always remember the redemption from Egyptian bondage. Vehayah - 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 res