A substantial portion of this week’s Parsha contains both blessings and curses. While the curses might seem heavy, they conceal blessings. This Parsha also starts positively, with Hashem praising the Jewish people for living righteously and in accordance with the Torah.
Among these verses is the praise given by Hashem: “And all the nations of the land will see that the Name of God is called upon you, and they will fear you.” The Gemara explains this concept further. What does it mean for the Name of God to be called upon you? It refers to the tefillin worn “on” the head. Yet, the exact wording of the sages is tefillin worn “inside” the head (תפילין שבראש)!
The Gemara makes a distinction between tefillin “on” the head and tefillin “in” the head – they must be internalized!
Interestingly, we might ask: Many Jews wear tefillin, yet the nations do not appear to fear us due to this practice. This paradox brings us to a story about Rav Zusha of Anipoli. He once walked through a marketplace with his tallit and tefillin on. As the Gentiles saw him, they fled in fear, closing their doors. Rav Zusha attributed this reaction to his wearing tefillin.
His students then posed a valid question: They too wore tefillin in public, encountering gentiles, yet saw no similar response. Rav Zusha’s answer was insightful. He cited the Gemara’s distinction between tefillin “on” the head and tefillin “in” the head. It’s insufficient for tefillin to be an outer symbol; they must be internalized. This signifies that the intellectual and spiritual essence of the tefillin permeates our thoughts and actions.
When we put on tefillin daily, it’s not a mundane routine. Rather, it’s an act of empowerment, a recharging of our spiritual energy. The texts within the tefillin should become a living part of us, guiding our perspectives and actions. While some might view tefillin as a burden, they are, in fact, a wellspring of vitality, shaping our day positively.
Tefillin “inside” the head (תפילין שבראש) signifies this internalized connection. When the nations witness a Jew who genuinely embodies the tefillin’s essence, they will respect and hold him in high regard. This respect emanates not from fear of harm, but from a profound reverence for our deep-rooted values. In this way, the Jewish people can truly become a source of illumination and inspiration for the world.
Shabbat Shalom!
Meir Elkabas
