Tfidanit History and Testimonials
The Tfidanit has become part of our lives, so much so that it’s hard to remember ever not using the Tfidanit to protect your Tefillin.
However, believe it or not, there was a time when the Tfidanit just did not exist and it was quite common to see Tefillin which were damaged in some manner.
Who designed this innovation?
Well it all started many years ago with an Israeli paratrooper named Amitai, then a reservist in the Israeli army.
Amitai was an experienced paratrooper who had participated in many training jumps. However, this exercise was different. This time their commanding officer was having the paratroopers jump into mountainous, rocky terrain for an extended training exercise. Amitai was not worried about the possibility of broken bones or how long they would be out in the open – he was worried about his Tefillin and what would happen to them. No one could know what kind of difficult terrain was waiting them and what kind of weather they would have during the exercise. How would his Tefillin survive? We don’t know what Amitai decided. We do know that Amitai turned to Rabbi Yishai Babad Shlita of Tefillin Beit El and told him about the dilemma that he incurred and the rest is history….. Rabbi Yishai undertook the challenge presented to him and developed the first Tfidanit. This product, the Tfidanit, was enthusiastically accepted by the religious Zionist community, has participated alongside our troops in all the units of the Israeli army, has been part and parcel of every Yeshiva and Talmudical academy and has been part of the trekkers kit bag around the world.
So, Watch over yourselves and your Tefillin wherever you go and during whatever you do!
Do not be tempted by products that attempt to imitate the original Tfidanit.
place your order, call or email us today!
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Telephone: 02-997-4560 Facsimile:02-997-4017
The Tfidanit Takes the Pressure!
Shalom!
We would like to thank you for a wonderful product – Tfidanit!
The following story will bear witness as to the reliability of this product.
Last week, our son was waiting for a bus to take him to the Yeshiva in which he was studying. As he waited for the bus his school bag with the Tfidanit inside fell into the street just as the bus pulled into the bus stop and rolled right over the bag.
The results are presented here; the Tfidanit was ruined but they managed to protect the Tefillin so that only the head Tefillin was only slightly damaged. The hand Tefillin survived without a scratch!
We thank you. You have proved that the Tfidanit is an excellent product.
Sincerely,
Yigal and Suzie Zusman
Note: This is a true story as told to us by the customer. However, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the Tfidanit.
A Miraculous Save
A while ago a Tfidanit was brought into the Tefillin Beit El factory with the cloth cover shredded to bits. Inside we found the following note:
We are two trekkers who were travelling the Israel National Trail. One night as we were sleeping we heard the wails of foxes. The foxes were trying to find food in our backpacks. Not finding food in the backpacks they then attacked the Tfidanit which was on the ground next to our packs. They must have smelled the leather and thought that they were going to find a good meal. As you can see, they managed to shred the cloth cover of the Tfidanit. They were not able to reach the Tefillin. I dare not even think about what would have happened if the Tefillin were in a simple cloth bag……
Of course, we arranged for a new cloth cover. Now, before your vacation is the right time to purchase your Tfidanit which will protect your Tefillin from knocks, bumps, water and foxes.
A letter from the Armored Corpse.
Shalom!
I am a twenty two year old serving in the armored corpse. As few weeks ago during a tank exercise, my backpack fell off the tank in which I was in. I jumped off and rushed to put the pack on the side where I thought it would be safe. The exercise continued and then I heard someone on the communication equipment saying “B2, you just ran over your friends backpack”!
When the exercise ended I went looking for the remains of my backpack and found them ruined and spread over the area. Then I saw the Tfidanit, which had been thrown a few meters away. True it was ripped and dirty and the container was slightly bent; however, when I opened the Tfidanit – my Tefillin were not damaged! I was ecstatic about the miracle which had just occurred!
I think that the unique design of the Tfidanit may have had something to do with the fact that the tank didn’t crush my Tefillin but somehow got thrown out of harms’ way. I think that this story can be used by you in your advertisements.
As a sign of my gratitude that in your credit my Tefillin are still whole.
Thank you
Yaakov
Note: This is a true story as told to us by the customer. However, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the Tfidanit.
Through rain……
My son is a soldier in the armored corpse. Two weeks ago on Sunday the second day of Shevat – during the rainstorms which fell down south – my son was in a training exercise with his unit. His unit was located in a culvert at the bottom of a canyon.
At 5:30 PM the skies opened and it started to pour. Fearing flooding, the soldiers were ordered to take all the vehicles including the tanks and hummer vehicles to the top of the hill. Much military ordinance and personal belongings were abandoned in the field. The rain fell all night long and they were not allowed back into the terrain to save these items. The next day, my son found his backpack totally soaked in a puddle of water. The siddur and tallit which were attached to the Tfidanit were soaked! Upon opening the Tfidanit he found his Tefillin dry and just waiting to be worn. We credit the Tfidanit with protecting his Tefillin so that they were not damaged in any way.
Note: This is a true story as told to us by the customer. However, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the Tfidanit.
The Trip to the Darga River Reserve
Intersession was almost over and we had not fully utilized our vacation its fullest potential we decided to go on a trek. Where to? We’ll decide in the morning. After we pray and eat breakfast, we’ll be in touch.
As the morning slowly passed by Ariel finally called me and announced “we’re going to the Darga River Reserve”. Now after all the heavy rainfall and flooding is the perfect time. The pools will be full of pristine water. Of course don’t forget food and equipment for a two day overnight hike. He then added – of course; don’t forget to take your Tfidanit to protect your Tefillin. Luckily, my brother had just returned from his reserve duty in the Israeli army and had returned my Tfidanit to me. I quickly packed and at the last minute remembered that Yonatan had asked me to bring along some plastic bags so that he could wrap his Tefillin in them so they shouldn’t get wet.
We finally reached the Reserve in the early afternoon. Ariel and Yonatan paid no heed to the sign announcing that entrance to the river trek is allowed only until one PM. It’s an easy trek they said. I kept silent.
We entered into the path through the canyon. In a short manner we came onto the first pool of water surrounded by rocks. Yonatan went first and easily traversed the rocks to go around the pool; Ariel followed him and was able to get by after almost falling into the water. In the nick of time Yonatan managed to grab him and pull him over the rocks. I decided not to chance the rocks, threw my bag to Yonatan and jumped into the pool.
The water was freezing! It was difficult adapting to the extreme temperature difference from the hot Judean desert heat and the coldness of the water.
We continued down the river in the water. By this time we were all thoroughly soaked. I did my utmost to keep my backpack with the Tfidanit inside it dry and out of the water.
There is no denying it, the Darga River Reserve is awesome. You are surrounded by silence and we were in no hurry to get anywhere. A little water fight, some quite swimming and laughs until your stomach hurt. Time flies and we didn’t pay attention until the sun was almost setting. Yonatan was a little stressed out, but he tried his best not to show it.
Ariel suggested that we daven Mincha (pray the afternoon prayer service) and so; wet and shivering we did just that. I don’t know what caused us to shiver more – the fact that we were soaked and there was a breeze with the desert temperature dropping as the sun set, or the fact that we didn’t know what was going to happen next or how we were going to spend the night.
After praying, we changed into dry clothes we were standing on this rock in the middle of the river and the sun set. Now while waiting for the morning sun, we could fully understand the verse “My soul is unto G-d who watches over us until morning”.
Lo and behold when it was time to put on our Tefillin and recite morning prayers our backpacks were floating in the river. I , of course, knew that the Tfidanit was not designed to be immersed in water for extensive periods of time; but I had a feeling that my Tefillin had survived – and so they had! Yonatan, with a shaking hand reached for his Tefillin, I prayed that they too would have survived.
One thing I have learnt from this story. I, G-d willing, will do my utmost to never leave my Tfidanit behind.
Note: This is a true story as told to us by the customer. However, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the Tfidanit.
No, the Tfidanit is not bullet proof!
Shalom!
My name is (withheld as the sender is on active duty) a combat soldier in the “Nachal Yehuda brigade. Two weeks ago while returning to my base I got to the central bus station in Jerusalem. I prayed Mincha, (the afternoon prayers), and then went to the terminal for my bus. When the bus came, I put my pack with my Tfidanit in it into the baggage compartment under the bus. Somehow, without my knowing it, my bag was taken out of the compartment and left on the sidewalk.
Approximately 40 minutes later after someone reported the bag as a suspicious object a police sapper was called to investigate the bag. He shot the bag to make sure it did not contain a bomb. In G-d’s mercy, the bullet struck the cover of the Tfidanit. The cover was shattered to smithereens, but the Tefillin were not damaged, thank G-d.
Sincerely, G.S.
Note: This is a true story as told to us by the customer. However, the warranty does not cover physical damage to the Tfidanit.
Instructions for Use
Instructions for Use
Please read these instructions prior to using the Tfidanit product manufactured and marketed by Tefillin Beit El.
- The Tfidanit is warrantied for a period of twelve months from date of purchase. This warranty covers any damage or defect incurred during the manufacturing process.
- Please take care when opening or closing the screw on cap of the Tfidanit.
- We assume no responsibility for any possible damage to Tefillin stored in the Tfidanit.
- Never leave your Tefillin in direct sunlight, in hot temperatures or any extreme fluctuating temperatures.
- Please check the integrity of the rubber gasket before using the Tfidanit in humid conditions.
- NOTICE!! The Tfidanit was not, and is not designed for extensive use in water.
- Carefully tightly screw on the cover so that the rubber gasket can form a seal in order to protect your Tefillin.
- Always treat your Tefillin with the respect due them. Remember, the Tefillin bear witness upon your being a Jew!
Instructions
- In order to remove or place a tallit into the Tallit bag; open the two clips on the side of the bag so that the tallit bag is flat.
- To detach the Tallit bag, open the two clips and unzip the zipper.
- To access the Tfidanit, open the Tallit bag clips and expose the zipper that allows access to the Tfidanit.
- Open the Tfidanit by twisting the cap counter clockwise.
- In order to ensure the maintenance of the integrity of the Tfidanit care must be taken in opening and closing the lid so as not to damage the screw thread.
- The “Siddur” (Prayer book), pocket has been designed for a soft cover book.
- The carrying strap attaches to the two hooks located at the end of the carrying handle.
- A luggage tag is attached to the outer lid of the top cover.
- A change pocket is located on the outside of the “Siddur” pocket.
- An additional change pocket is available on the shoulder strap.
- Designed to be a double walled insulated unit, thus allowing one to enter the bathroom in public places without hesitation.
faq
Does the Shaidialach need geniza?(ritual disposal)
Does the Tefillin Bag need geniza?(ritual disposal)
How many times should one wrap the arm Tefillin before he puts on the head Tefillin?
Can I wear Tefillin all day?
What does it mean to ask a child when a question?
How does one know where to buy Tefillin? Can all manufactures be considered reliable?
Does it make Tefillin not kosher if the stitches holding it together are coming loose?
When is a hole in Tefillin boxes kosher?
Is super glue allowed when making Tefillin?
If you are using machines how is it that the Tefillin are still considered hand made?
How often should I have my Mezuzahs checked?
How often should I have my Tefillin checked?
If I move to a new house do I have to leave my Mezuzahs behind or my I take them with me? Does this matter in the case where the new tenets are not Jewish or are Jewish but not Religious, or if they are Religious? Can I change the very expensive and mehudar Mezuzahs with cheaper less expensive mehudar Mezuzahs?
I am moving to a new house. I have some very expensive Mezuzah cases as well as some sentimental value to me, do I have to leave the case behind when I move?
My Tefillin are showing the split where the two halves were joined together. Do I have to have them repaired to hide the split?
I have Hasidic Parshiot in Ashkenazim batim is this kosher?
I am a Baal Tsuvah and ready to buy my first set of Tefillin. Which nusach should I choose?
How much should someone pay to be sure he is getting kosher Tefillin?
I am in the process of converting. May I lay on Tefillin before I actually convert? May a non-Jew lay on Tefillin?
Concerning the shel rosh (head Tefillin). In the Siddur (prayer book) concerning the order of putting on Tefillin, it speaks for the sake of the "unification" of the Holy One... to "unify" the Name. Is there a relation between the 4 compartments of the shel rosh with the letters of the Name of the Most High?
But why do they recommend a dalet head knot? Who are the Poskim? What about people like me who have a square knot, do they have to change the knot?
What do the EXACT shape and size of the Tefillin originated from? I can find no measurements etc, listed in Torah. Can you help?
There are so many Tefillin customs! What custom should someone do if he is not sure the custom of his father? I am accustomed to pray Ashkanazi when I am in an Ashkanazi shul and Safard (Chasidic) when in a Chasidc shul.
Regarding the issue of touching up the Tefillin straps with a generic marker.
What are the origins of Tefillin?
In order to earn my parnossa, I have to wake up very, very early. Thus the only time I can put on tefillin is at 5:00 am. I have NO other time to do so during my day. Is there a leniency for me to do so before the proper time?
My teacher has asked me why Tefillin straps are black? the only reason that I have been able to find is that because says so in the oral law? Is this right?
There are the Nusach Ashkenaz and the Nusach S'fard/Chassid for the parashiot. Which corresponds with opinions of RaSHI and which corresponds with Rabbenu Tam? Is Nusach Teman different from the ones mentioned above?
Does the Shaidialach need geniza?
Yes
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Does the Tefillin Bag need geniza?
Yes
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How many times should one wrap the arm Tefillin before he puts on the head Tefillin?
The general custom is to do all whe windings on the arm, then put on the head Tefillin, then complete the windings on the hand and forefinger. There are some who only wrap one or two windings on the arm and then put on the head Tefillin and then complete the arm windings.
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Can I wear Tefillin all day?
Technically, that is the proper practice, and the Vilna Gaon urged it to be adopted by all. However, the usual custom is not to do this, as few people could maintain the proper respect for the Tefillin all day.
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What does it mean to ask a child when a question?
If there is a doubt if a letter has its proper shape or not we ask a child. In some cases this renders the Tefillin kosher as is, in other cases this makes a situation repairable (despite the usual consideration of K'sidran-that they be written in order.) Under normal circumstances, and according to most authorities, this is not considered less mehudar. An exception would be when a particular problem is considered possul by most authorities, but a minority opinion rules that it is kosher if recognized by a child, this would be considered B'diavad (Kosher ex=post facto) and would be sold accordingly.
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How does one know where to buy Tefillin? Can all manufactures be considered reliable?
Unfortunately, there are still many problems in this field. Either consult an authority, or buy from a manufacturer who can produce for you recommendations of accepted authorities.
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Does it make Tefillin not kosher if the stitches holding it together are coming loose?
Loose would still be kosher. However, if they are so loose that the stitching has lost its square shape, this would be possul.
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When is a hole in Tefillin boxes kosher?
A hole in the k'tzitza (the part holding the parshiyot) as well as in the lower titura (base) opposite the opening for the parshiyot, is considered possul by most authorities. A hole in the titura (base) not opposite the opening (where there are stitching holes anyway) would still be kosher, provided they do not adversely affect the squareness.
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Is super glue allowed when making Tefillin?
Yes. It is in fact used in several stages of the work.
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If you are using machines how is it that the Tefillin are still considered hand made?
All machines we use only work with continual manual action. For instance, an electric drill could be used, but is on a special switch so that it can only work as long as the person is applying pressure. Unlike machine matzot or machine tzitzit, no part of the manufacture occurs automatically. Rabbi Ben Zion Wosner,while visiting our plant was asked this question and responded "Anyone who says this is not Avodas Yad (hand made) doesn't know what he's talking about."
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How often should I have my Mezuzahs checked?
(Approx. every 3 and a half years).
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How often should I have my Tefillin checked?
Technically, Tefillin in constant use which have not been exposed to high heat or water need never be checked. However, it is recommended to have them checked from time to time.
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If I move to a new house do I have to leave my Mezuzahs behind or my I take them with me? Does this matter in the case where the new tenets are not Jewish or are Jewish but not Religious, or if they are Religious? Can I change the very expensive and mehudar Mezuzahs with cheaper less expensive mehudar Mezuzahs?
You must leave mezzuzot. If non-Jews are moving in then you don't. Non religious Jews are still Jews and you must leave mezzuzot. You can put up less mehudar (but Kosher!) mezzuzot. If the new tenants are religious and have mehudar mezzuzot, you could ask them to let you put them up before you leave.
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I am moving to a new house. I have some very expensive Mezuzah cases as well as some sentimental value to me, do I have to leave the case behind when I move?
You must leave mezzuzot, but you can switch them to simple cases.
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My Tefillin are showing the split where the two halves were joined together. Do I have to have them repaired to hide the split?
Not is the squareness is unaffected.
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I have Hasidic Parshiot in Ashkenazim batim . is this kosher
Yes.
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I am a Baal Tsuvah and ready to buy my first set of Tefillin. Which nusach should I choose?
Many Rabbis would say according to the custom of your anscestors. I would say that it would depend on your general bent. Is you usually go by the Mishnah B'rura, you should have Beit Yosef (which is the only one dealt with in the Mishnah B'rura). If you have a Hassidic bent, get Ari.
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How much should someone pay to be sure he is getting kosher Tefillin?
Price is no assurance. Buy from a reputable dealer.
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I am in the process of converting. May I lay on Tefillin before I actually convert? May a non-Jew lay on Tefillin?
According to the Rambam, a non Jew may perform any Mitzva (other than Shabbat observance) and will be rewarded. There are those who disagree. However, since in your case it is for the purpose of preparation for conversion, I would say that it is clearly permissible. (Good luck!)
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Concerning the shel rosh (head Tefillin). In the Siddur (prayer book) concerning the order of putting on Tefillin, it speaks for the sake of the "unification" of the Holy One... to "unify" the Name. Is there a relation between the 4 compartments of the shel rosh (head Tefillin) with the letters of the Name of the Most High?
That the four parshiyot (verses) (not only the four compartments of the Shel Rosh) represent the four letters of HaShem's Name is found in the Zohar. The Zohar also explains the two practices (that we call Rashi's and Rabbeinu Tam's) as representing two different permutations of the Divine Name.
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But why do they recommend a dalet head knot? Who are the Poskim? What about people like me who have a square knot, do they have to change the knot?
The poskim (rabbinic legal codifiers) establish their legal decisions on many factors of which one's family custom is one consideration. Most Ashkenazi Jews today follow the decisions of the Chafetz Chaim (Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan) as recorded in the Mishna Brura about one hundred years ago. The knot of the head Tefillin is supposed to form a dalet, which together with the shin on the head Tefillin and the yud formed by the knot of the hand Tefillin spells one of the names of G-d (Sha-dai). As the Chafetz Chaim prefers the dalet shape to the square, which is actually a double dalet, this is today the prevailing custom, which most rabbis would consider to override family custom. However, the double dalet is kosher and remains the custom of many communities.
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What do the EXACT shape and size of the Tefillin originated from? I can find no measurements etc, listed in Torah. Can you help?
The shape and size of Tefillin are not mentioned in the Torah itself, but are part of the Talmudic oral tradition. The shape of the Tefillin is set down in the tractate Menachot page 38. It is stated there which biblical portions are written in the Tefillin, Their order, and the requirement that they be square. The early commentators and codifiers interpret the Talmud as requiring squareness in three places, viz. The base (Titura) the case holding the scrolls(Ketsitsa), and the stitching of the base. In Maimonides' Code the structures are described in detail. The requirement of squareness is found in the Code of Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 32:39). What degree of imperfection in squareness would render the Tefillin invalid is still a topic of debate between authorities. As to the size, there is no Talmudic ruling other than the statement that there is room on the head and arm for two pair of Tefillin. Some authorities deduced from this that the Tefillin must be two fingerbreadths (Shimusha Rabba) but this view was not generally accepted. The Shulchan Aruch rules that there is no minimum reqirement as to size (O. Ch. 32:41). We hope this answers your question to your satisfaction.
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There are so many Tefillin customs! What custom should someone do if he is not sure the custom of his father? I am accustomed to pray Ashkanazi when I am in an Ashkanazi shul and Safard (Chasidic) when in a Chasidc shul.
All the customs are kosher. If you generally follow the Mishna B'rura, do Ashkenaz. If you generally follow Chassidic ways, do S'fard. It is best to pick one and be consistent.
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Regarding the issue of touching up the Tefillin straps with a generic marker
We have discussed this issue with major Poskim who permitted it. It is similar to the issue of non-kosher fish oils once used in tefillin paint (Kesset HaSofer 23:2). Since the blackening agent is kosher, and the fish oil is there for non-halachically required reasons (to make the paint smoother and the straps softer) its' kashrut is not essential. Similarly, nearly all Tefillin paint contains shellac, an insect derivative. There are those opposed, but most Poskim permit it as long as the blackening agent is Kosher. The black color in all markers is synthetic. Some do have a glycerin component which would be permissible for the above reason.
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What are the origins of Tefillin?
Tefillin are alluded to in four places in the Torah with variations upon "they shall be for a sign upon thy hand and frontelets between thy eyes" The details are recorded in the Talmud in tractate Menachot, and discussed in great detail in the later codifiers. Many Rabbis see a reference to Tefillin in the book of Samuel, when proof is brought of the death of King Saul in the form of "his bracelet and his diadem."
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In order to earn my parnossa, I have to wake up very, very early. Thus the only time I can put on tefillin is at 5:00 am. I have NO other time to do so during my day. Is there a leniency for me to do so before the proper time?
According to the Rambam, Tefillin may only be worn during the daylight hours by Torah law. According to most other authorities, they could technically be worn at night, but the sages decreed against it, lest one sleep with them on. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein permitted one who had to go to work early, if it would not be possible to put them on later (they may be worn until sundown) to put them on before dawn without reciting the blessing. Note, however, that 5 A.M. is usually after dawn most of the year in most places. You needn't wait for sunrise, dawn is sufficient.
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My teacher has asked me why Tefillin straps are black? the only reason that I have been able to find is that because says so in the oral law? Is this right?
Thank you for your question. In Talmudic sources the blackness of the Tefillin is indeed ascribed to "a law given to Moses on Sinai" with no further explanation. Later sources (middle ages) state that the blackness represents the unchanging nature of G-d, as black is the most unchanging color. Hassidic sources connect the blackness with the mystical concept of Tzimtzum, the contraction of the Divine Light (represented by the scrolls in the Tefillin) so that it may be absorbed by us.
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There are the Nusach Ashkenaz and the Nusach S'fard/Chassid for the parashiot. Which corresponds with opinions of RaSHI and which corresponds with Rabbenu Tam? Is Nusach Teman different from the ones mentioned above?
Firstly I would like to explain two things to you.
The meaning of Nusach and the way in which we use it.
The difference between Rebenu Tam and Rashi
1) When we ask what is your Nusach or Minhag we are asking for the custom of your fathers. There are suttle differences bettween the three main customs. There are more then three customs but Safardi, Ashkanazi and Ari Zal are the most popular.
Safardi Ashkanazi Ari Zal
You can see clearly the differences with the letter Shin. This is also a way to identify the Nusach of the Tefillin without looking at Parchment. All Tefillin have two Shins on them. The type of Shin will show you the nusach of the Tefillin.
2) All Tefillin have in them 4 chapters of the Torah.
Kadesh
Vai -Yakev
Shama
Vai - Yahe im shamoa
It doesn't matter if it is Rebenu Tam or Rashi they will have these 4 chapters. Now the difference between Rashi and Rebnu Tam is the order. Rashi is like the order above. Rebenu Tam (The grandson of Rashi) switches the order of the last two ( c. and d. )
Now to answer your question:
It doesn't matter what Nusach you are it can be either Safardi, Ashkanazi or Ari Zal, the Sofer (scribe) will write the parshiot (parchment) in the order that you want ie. in the order of either Rashi or Rebnu Tam. The laws of Tefillin say that the parshiot have to be written in the order that you put them in the Tefillin ( you can't just write them in one order and put them in the Tefillin in a different order).
FYI. We only bless on Rashi Tefillin. Wearing Rebnu Tam is like for extra...
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