Tefillin Basics: How to Choose Your First Pair
Buying tefillin for the first time, often for a bar mitzvah, can feel like a lot of new words at once. This guide explains the parts, the main choices and the questions to ask, so you can talk it over with your rabbi and order with confidence.
What tefillin are made of
- Parshiyos: four passages from the Torah handwritten by a sofer on parchment. They are the heart of the tefillin.
- Batim: the black leather boxes that hold the parshiyos, one for the arm (shel yad) and one for the head (shel rosh).
- Retzuos: the black leather straps that hold the batim in place.
The main choices
| Choice | What it means |
|---|---|
| Nusach | Ashkenaz, Sephardic and Chabad tefillin differ in script style and in how they are made and worn. Buy the nusach your family follows. |
| Script | Beis Yosef is common for Ashkenaz, Vellish for Sephardic, and Alter Rebbe for Chabad. |
| Batim grade | Dakkos (thin) batim are made from thinner leather; gassos batim are made from a single thick hide and are generally considered the higher standard. |
| Parshiyos grade | Basic, mehudar and superior describe the level of care and beauty in the writing. Higher grades cost more. |
| Size | Batim are measured in millimeters. 32 to 35 mm is common for a first pair; larger sizes are available. |
| Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam | Rashi tefillin are worn by everyone. Some communities also wear a second pair, Rabbeinu Tam, with the parshiyos in a different order. Ask your rabbi whether your family does. |
| Left handed | Tefillin are worn on the weaker arm. Tell us when ordering if the wearer is left handed. |
Tefillin sets to compare
Each listing states the script, batim size and grade given by the supplier. We do not add details the supplier has not stated.
Care and checking
Keep tefillin in their bag and box covers, away from heat and moisture, and never leave them in a hot car. Many people have their tefillin checked by a qualified sofer from time to time, and right away if they get wet or damaged. Your rabbi can tell you how often your community checks.
See every set in our tefillin collection, add a tallis and tefillin bag, and read the tallis buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between basic and mehudar tefillin?
The grade describes the standard of the parshiyos and batim. Mehudar tefillin are made to a higher standard of beauty and care than basic ones, and usually cost more. Each listing states the grade given by the supplier.
What are gassos batim?
Gassos batim are made from a single thick piece of hide, while dakkos batim use thinner leather. Gassos are generally considered the higher standard and last longer.
Do I need Rabbeinu Tam tefillin?
Rabbeinu Tam tefillin are worn in some communities in addition to Rashi tefillin. Ask your rabbi whether your family wears them.
When should a bar mitzvah boy get tefillin?
Many boys begin putting on tefillin shortly before their bar mitzvah so they are practiced by the day itself. Customs on how long before vary, so ask your rabbi, and order early to leave time.
How often should tefillin be checked?
Many people have tefillin checked by a sofer periodically, and right away if they are damaged or get wet. Ask your rabbi about your community's practice.
Ships nationwide from Judaica Square, with local pickup available in Lakewood, NJ.