By COLlive reporter
Many people, both in the Chassidic community and beyond, don Rabbeinu Tam’s tefillin after having donned Rashi tefillin when davening shacharis. Some, however, believe that this a mere “minhag” (custom) or kabbalistic stringency and is not halachically mandated.
Moreover, various arguments have been put forth questioning and challenging the practice of donning Rabbeinu Tam’s tefillin.
Is a newly-released publication by Rabbi Moshe Wiener, the various arguments have been presented, each accompanied by well documented, brief responses based on the works of Torah giants of recent generations.
This Hebrew booklet paints a clear picture of the importance of wrapping Rabbeinu Tam tefillin every day, not merely as a custom or stringency but as a halachic imperative.
Among the topics covered are:
* the origin of the two views of Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam;
* the credibility of the tefillin discovered in the tomb of Yechezkel;
* a discussion why both pairs are donned—out of doubt or because both are necessary;
* the opinions of the Vilna Gaon and the Aruch Hashulchan; and
* an analysis of whether donning Rabbeinu Tam’s tefillin entails yuhara (arrogant conduct).
Rabbi Wiener, author of sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon and sefer Kvuda Bas Melech, offers references and informative quotations, making this booklet recommendable for any reader who desires to know the stance of halacha on this important subject.
To read, download or print this publication (at no charge), click here
To arrange for copies of this booklet as a teshura (memento) at a simcha or to sponsor its publication, please contact moshenwiener@gmail.com
