עברית
Halachot and Customs
Tefillin: 8 Wrappings Urgent Question
Question
Hello, honored Rabbi. Two months ago, a family member asked me to teach him how to put on tefillin (a man in his 30s). I gave him my book and showed him how I wear tefillin. Eight wrappings around the arm. This is how I was taught when I was a young boy. This morning, he called me, worried, saying that a neighbor told him, "If you didn't do it like this, you didn't do it right," stating that 7 wrappings are standard. Did I make a mistake by doing 8??? Is it 7? Or is eight wrappings a matter of custom?? I would appreciate an answer via email, and if possible, a number of a Rabbi for advice that I can give to that young man, so he has someone to consult in his journey towards his faith.
Answer
Hello and greetings,
A. Even if he makes ten wrappings, it does not mean that he did not put on tefillin; the number of wrappings does not affect the validity, whether it is less or more.
B. Since it is customary to make seven complete wrappings, some have the practice of doing seven complete wrappings and two half wrappings so that it totals eight wrappings.
If he wants a Rabbi to assist him, please send me his phone number with his consent, and we will get back to him, G-d willing.
Best regards,
Benjamin Shmueli
