Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin

Legend has it that Rashi’s grandchild (his daughter’s son), Rabbi Ya’akov Tam (also known as Rabbeinu Tam), was once sitting on his grandfather’s lap and reached out to touch his grandfather’s Tefillin. At that moment Rashi said that his grandson would someday differ with him regarding Tefillin…
There are several differences of opinion in the area of Halacha between Rashi and his grandson Rabbeinu Tam. The most prominent one concerns the proper order of the Parshiot in Tefillin Shel Rosh.

The Halacha is according to Rashi’s view. Nonetheless, there are some Jews who are especially strict and make a point of putting on two pairs of Tefillin, one according to Rashi’s position and the other according to that of Rabbeinu Tam. Some put on Tefillin according to the order of Rabbeinu Tam only at the end of the prayer service, after they have removed Rashi Tefillin. Others wear both types at once, using Tefillin that are smaller than usual. Rabbi Yosef Karo writes in the Shulhan Arukh, that in order to refrain from unseemly pride, only one who is regarded as especially scrupulous in Mitzvah observance should act in this manner.

In addition to regular Tefillin, Tefillin Hebron manufactures Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin, as well as smaller Tefillin of both types. All of our Tefillin are of the highest quality and in accordance with all the Halachic enhancements, and made in the holy city of Hebron by devout experts who live in the area.