Singer Yagel Oshri Develops App to Aid Daily Tefillin Observance

Israeli singer Yagel Oshri has developed a new mobile application called "Kodem Tefillin" (Tefillin First) designed to help him and others maintain the daily practice of donning tefillin. The app was created in response to Oshri's personal commitment, made after the October 7th attacks, to strengthen his religious observance by praying with tefillin every morning.

Oshri explained that despite his intention, the distractions of his phone and the demands of his daily work schedule often led him to forget this commitment. To overcome this, he created a technological solution that blocks access to social media and other applications at a predetermined time each morning.

The app, "Kodem Tefillin Acharei Ha'Olam" (Tefillin First, Then the World), locks down specified applications, including Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, during the user's chosen time slot. When the user attempts to open a blocked app, a reminder appears asking "Have you put on tefillin today?" or "Have you put on tefillin, righteous one?".

Users are then presented with two options: to confirm they have put on tefillin, which unlocks the apps, or to postpone the reminder for 15 minutes. If postponed, the apps become accessible for that brief period before being locked again. Oshri reported that since implementing the app, he has not forgotten to put on tefillin.

Oshri shared that his mornings often began with social media, quickly transitioning to work and meetings, leaving him no time for his religious practice. This app aims to ensure that the commitment to tefillin takes precedence before engaging with the digital world.