79

To wear Tefillin on the head

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Tefillin – תְּפִלִּין

Men are obligated to don tefillin on their heads.

This mitzvah commands Jewish men to place Tefillin on the head, specifically above the forehead, between the eyes. The Tefillin contain parchments inscribed with Torah passages that proclaim Hashem’s unity and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. Wearing them on the head symbolizes dedicating one’s thoughts and intellect to Hashem.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Tefillin 4:1): The placement must be exact, with the box resting above the hairline, not lower on the forehead.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 421): The root is to constantly remind the mind of Hashem’s unity and His miracles, binding our intellect to His service.
  • Talmud (Menachot 35b): Stresses the importance of correct positioning, declaring that misplacement invalidates the mitzvah.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וּקְשַׁרְתָּ֥ם לְא֖וֹת עַל־יָדֶ֑ךָ וְהָי֥וּ לְטֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֥ין עֵינֶֽיךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת וָאֶתְחַנַּן
Deuteronomy 6:8 - "And you shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for ornaments between your eyes."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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