Tefilin And The Source Of Our Strength

The drums of war are truly worrying. The nation of Israel is surrounded on all sides by those who wish to do harm, like a sheep amongst wolves. Yet in these times we must remember that the Shepard is reliable, He watches over us and protects us. Even so, we can do our part by studying the actions of our ancestors in their times of struggle. Their actions and salvation are an eternal lesson for the Jewish nation.

One of the most famous military campaigns in Jewish history is that of King David. Our Sages inform us that his army would fast on the day of battle and also adorn themselves with tefilin. The reason for this behavior is because King David’s army understood an essential fact. All physical wars are counterparts to spiritual struggles. The results on the battlefield merely reflect spiritual realities. David’s army therefore prepared for each war by sanctifying itself in accordance with the verse: Give praise to Hashem who rules over Israel; their might is in the Heavens (Tehilim 68:35).

It is important to point out that the mitzvah specifically chosen during battle was tefilin; the Jews would fast mainly as a method to pivot the mind towards Hashem. Even though keeping any of Hashem’s commandments would generate spiritual power, tefilin was the most appropriate for battle. David’s army, and many Jewish armies throughout history, recognized the mitzvah of tefilin as especially effective during times of war.

The Torah states: All the peoples of the earth shall see Hashem’s name is proclaimed over you, and they shall stand in awe of you (Devarim 28:10). The Talmud quotes Rav Eliezer Hagadol, who explains this verse as referring to the tefilin worn on the head. In other words, the Talmud teaches that when hostile nations witness Jewish men wearing tefilin on their heads, they are filled with fear due to the Holy Names contained within the tefilin.

Hashem’s Name is mentioned 21 times in the head tefilin, and another 21 times in the hand tefilin. The total numerical value of these occurrences equals the Divine Name which represents redemption. This explains why tefilin was associated with war. It is in the merit of the Mitzvah of tefilin that Jews are redeemed from oppression by the enemy. This was the same Name with which Hashem sent Moshe Rabeinu to redeem the Jewish nation.

The Tefilin also has another related purpose. Our sages teach us that every soul ‘forgets’ its spiritual residence before birth and life. Hashem therefore gave us a remembrance called the tefilin. Tefilin reminds us that we are always connected to Hashem. The Halacha (law) states that one cannot divert his attention away from his tefilin while it is being worn and must rather stay focused on its status of connector.

Interestingly, the Talmud mentions that Hashem also ‘wears’ tefilin. In our tefilin it is written “Listen Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One”. In Hashem’s tefilin it is written “Who is like Your people, Israel, one nation in the land?” Both verses mention the special status of Oneness which allows the Jewish nation to represent Hashem. The Talmud is underlying the special relationship we have with Hashem to demonstrate that tefilin serves as the connection. Just as we have a law of constantly being mindful of the tefilin on our head, Hashem remains constantly aware of His children on earth. The tefilin thus indicates Hashem’s constant attention to every detail of human affairs.

When a man wears tefilin and focuses on the special bond he shares with the One Above, Hashem responds in kind. When a soldier sets out to war with Hashem on his mind and intense love for Him in his heart, he draws upon that special connection for support. Hashem responds in kind and protects the soldier with Love.

There is a mitzvah to put on tefilin every single day, except for Shabbat and Holidays. We must realize that the moment we put on tefilin, Hashem Manifests oversight and protection. Even if one is having a difficult day, and it is not possible to pray, still, he should make time to wear tefilin. The power of this mitzvah serves as a protection throughout our day, in all of our personal and national struggles.

May we all merit and witness the final Geula, speedily and in our days. Amen v’ Amen.