Embracing Tradition: The Power of Daily Tefillin Wrapping

Dear Beloved Members of the Jewish Community,

I write to you today with a heart brimming with love, respect, and a deep sense of shared heritage. Our connection to each other, our history, and our faith is a bond that transcends time and space. Today, I implore each and every one of you, our dear siblings, to embrace a practice that has the power to strengthen our connection to our Jewish identity and spirituality – the daily wrapping of tefillin.

Tefillin is not merely an ancient ritual; it is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to the Divine and a poignant reminder of our covenant with God. Each time we bind the leather straps around our arms and foreheads, we are, in essence, affirming our connection to our rich history. This history is woven with threads of resilience, faith, and an unbroken chain of traditions.

Every morning, except on the sacred day of Shabbat, presents an opportunity for us to engage in this beautiful, meaningful practice. It is not just a ritual but a conversation with the Almighty. The leather straps and carefully enclosed parchments become conduits through which we express our devotion, gratitude, and commitment to the values that define us as Jews.

Wrapped around our arms, the tefillin serves as a visual declaration of our beliefs to the world. It is a statement that says, “I am a Jew, proud and unwavering in my faith.” In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, this ritual provides a grounding force, connecting us to something larger than ourselves and reminding us of the enduring strength of our traditions.

As adults, we bear the responsibility of preserving and enriching our heritage for future generations. By wrapping tefillin each morning, we set an example for all those around us and those who will come after us. We instill in them the importance of continuity, of maintaining the sacred flame that has been passed down through generations.

Moreover, the act of wrapping tefillin is a spiritual journey, a daily opportunity for introspection and connection. In those moments, as we bind the straps, we are invited to reflect on our actions, our relationships, and our place in the grand tapestry of Jewish history. It is a chance to align our daily lives with the timeless wisdom contained within the sacred texts.

As a united community, let us rekindle this practice with renewed passion and commitment. Let the act of wrapping tefillin be a shared experience that binds us together in purpose and devotion. In this simple yet profound ritual, let us find the strength to face the challenges of the day and the inspiration to infuse our lives with the sacred teachings that have guided us through centuries.

May the wrapping of tefillin become a daily affirmation of our Jewish identity, a source of spiritual strength, and a testament to our enduring legacy as a people. Together, let us embark on this journey of connection, devotion, and continuity.

With love and a hopeful heart,

Rabbi Eric Leiderman
President & Co-Founder, Masorti on Campus

P.S. I am including a link to the All Gender Wrap project from Hebrew College. This project includes three videos showing a diverse group of Jews of all genders (including cis-gender women, transgender, and non-binary) demonstrating how to put on tefillin. https://hebrewcollege.edu/blog/introducing-all-genders-wrap/