Tefillin for just $49.95 Digital Reproduction *Unframed 12.6" x 15.0" 32.0 x 38.0 cm Tefillin Phylactery, called Tefillin in Hebrew, are described a sign, an “ote,” of the covenant between G-d and Israel. Each set of Tefillin has 2 main parts: the head-phylactery, known as the “shel rosh” a box with its leather strap; the arm phylactery, or “shel yad” a box with its corresponding strap. Both small boxes contain four hand written biblical passages on parchment: Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21The “shel yad” box is bound with its leather strap to the forearm, positioned parallel to the heart, directing our heart and emotions to G-d’s service. By crowning our head with the “shel rosh”, we dedicate our intellect and thoughts to G-d. Thirteen is when a young man reaches the age of accountability for G-d’s commandments and begins donning Tefillin during morning prayers.Using micro calligraphy, Ellen Miller Braun’s thought-provoking design repeats each of these four Torah portions four times. The words form the outline of the Shel Rosh and Shel Yad and fill the front of the Tefillin’s black straps. The gray backs of the straps are filled with the blessings, recitations and declaration of intent that are recited when donning Tefillin. Using flowing red ink, Ellen repeats the words “Shel Rosh” filling the head phylactery box, then uses the words “Shel Yad” filling the arm phylactery box. This entire piece is framed and embraced by the prayer that is the essential core of Judaism: “She’ma Israel HaShem Elokeinu, HaShem Echad” (Hear, O Israel: HaShem is our G-d, HaShem is One.) Boldly inscribed at the bottom center of the frame is the word “Tefillin.” This piece flows with beauty and grace, as well as being a source of strength and spirituality. In gematria, Jewish numerology, the letter “dalet”, the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, equals the number four. The word “dalet/delet” means door. Your prayers open a personal doorway to G-d. With donning Tefillin, with its 4 internal Torah portions, and daily prayer, you have the opportunity to open a door between yourself and The Holy One Blessed Be He. May all of your prayers be answered.
