Messages from Tefillin of the Head and the Heart

Toward the end of our parsha, we are introduced to the mitzvah of Tefillin, which are to be worn on the arm facing the heart, and on the head between the eyes.

The Gemara states that just as we wear tefillin, so does, so to speak, Hashem. The Gemara explains further that while the paragraphs inside our tefillin focus on Hashem, those in His tefillin focus on us.[1]

The Meshech Chochmah notes that the paragraphs in the head tefillin are written on four separate parchments and placed in four separate compartments, while in the hand tefillin they are all written on one parchment. This is because the head tefillin — worn “between the eyes” — represents Hashem’s supervision of the Jewish People. In this regard, there are different categories of supervision based on the spiritual level of those involved; hence, the sections are likewise compartmentalized. The hand tefillin, by contrast, rest next to the heart, and represent Hashem’s love for the Jewish People. In this regard, the paragraphs are all written together on one parchment, for the Jewish People are all beloved equally to Hashem.[2]

In our own experience, we also have these two aspects of relationship with our fellow Jews. There is the head-tefillin element, reflecting ideas and beliefs. In this regard, one may well need to section off certain objectionable attitudes — for indeed, not every idea subscribed to by every Jew is a Jewish idea. However, when it comes to the hand-tefillin element, which rests on the heart and represents our love for our fellow Jew, we are reminded that everyone is part of the same scroll.

The message that emerges very clearly is that ideological differences between Jews should not be allowed to spill into antipathy or animosity on a personal level. The Jewish People are all family with one another, and whatever mistakes one person makes, he is still family. As such, he can never be discarded or disregarded, even if his views and decisions are objectionable.

One of the central mitzvos of the Torah is that of emulating Hashem. Surely, a most worthwhile area in which to pursue that emulation is taking note of the message of love for Hashem's people that is written inside His tefillin.

[1] Berachos 6a.

[2] Meshech Chochmah, Shemos 13:9.