Halachot and Customs
Why are the tefillin wrapped around the arm seven times?
Question
Hello, esteemed Rabbi!
What is the reason that we wrap the arm tefillin seven times? Why not three or eight?
Thank you!
Answer
Greetings,
In truth, the Beit Yosef, Orach Chaim (section 27) wrote that it is not mentioned in the words of the poskim how many times one must wrap the tefillin strap around the arm. In any case, the Shulchan Aruch (there, section 8) wrote that the custom of the world is to wrap six or seven times around the arm. And in Mishnah Berurah (subsection 31) he wrote that our custom is to wrap seven times. And see in Kaf HaChaim (subsection 35) that there is a reason for this according to kabbalah.
With blessing,
Hillel Meirs
