Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

Should a lefty try to train himself to become a righty in order so he can wear the Tefillin on his left hand?[1] Some Poskim[2] encourage one to do so. Other Poskim[3], however, discourage one from doing so. Practically, one is not to do so without first discussing the matter […]

The law by different forms of ambidextrous:[1] The law if one writes with both hands:[2] If one writes using both hands, then he is to wrap the Tefillin onto his left arm, as does one who is right-handed. This applies even if he does majority of his actions with his […]

Is a right-handed person who was born with a heart condition called Dextrocardia to wear the Tefillin on his left arm?[1] Yes. The condition of dextrocardia, in which the heart is found by the right side of the chest, does not change the law regarding onto which hand the Tefillin […]

On which arm is the Tefillin Shel Yad to be worn on?[1] The general rule & Righty versus Lefty: The weaker and non-writing hand:[2] The hand Tefillin is to be wrapped on the weaker and more frail hand, as the verse[3] states “Al Yadkah” and the Sages expounded that this […]

If one has a Shel Yad of Rashi and Shel Rosh of Rabbeinu Tam, or vice versa, may he wear them together? Yes.[1] Some Poskim[2] rule he is to first wear the Rashi Tefillin with a blessing [whether they are Shel Yad or Shel Rosh] and only then wear the […]

On Mivtzaim, may one put on just the Shel Yad or Shel Rosh if the person will not have time to wear both Tefillin, or does not want to do so?[1] Yes. [1] Based on Admur 26:3

Putting on only one Tefillin-The law by one who can only put on one Tefillin, either the Shel Yad or the Shel Rosh:[1] If one has only one Tefillin, such as only a Tefillin Shel Yad or only a Tefillin Shel Rosh, he is to wear the Tefillin that is […]

Question: [Tuesday, 18th Adar, 5781] Must one stand prior to repositioning his head tefillin if they have gone below the hairline or out of place? Answer: Seemingly this is not required, and the custom is not to be stringent in this, unless one actually moves it from his head and […]

May someone put on Tefillin onto another person or must he personally put it on?[1] It is permitted to place Tefillin, tighten and wrap it, onto another person’s arm and the person who is having it placed on him may say the blessing.[2] Women/child/gentile:[3] It is even permitted for a […]

If one accidentally placed on his Shel Rosh prior to his Shel Yad, is he to remove his Shel Rosh prior to wearing the Shel Yad?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that he is required to first remove his Shel Rosh and only then is he to put on his Shel Yad […]

Putting on the Tefillin Shel Yad before Shel Rosh:[1] One is to first wear the Tefillin Shel Yad and only afterwards wear the Tefillin Shel Rosh. The precedence of the Shel Yad to the Shel Rosh is a Biblical requirement.[2]  One first touched the Shel Rosh:[3] Even in the event […]

Kissing the Tefillin:[1] It is the custom of Sages to kiss the Tefillin when placing them on and when taking them off. [This custom should be followed by all Jewry.[2] The custom is to kiss the head Tefillin after removing it from its case, prior to placing it on the […]

Not shake the Tefillin out of the bag:[1] When removing the Tefillin from their bag, one may not shake the Tefillin out of the bag, but is rather to take it out from within the bag using his hand. [1] Admur 28:9; M”A 25:4; Sefer Chassidim 273; Mateh Moshe 19