Rabbi Connects Israelis with Over 1,500 Pairs of Tefillin for Soldiers
Rabbi Amichai Il is spearheading an initiative to collect and distribute used pairs of tefillin to Israeli soldiers and "Judaism-thirsty" individuals across the country. Since the October 7th attacks, the project has provided over 1,500 pairs of tefillin, with Rabbi Il having left his position as a yeshiva lecturer to manage the effort full-time.
The initiative began 25 years ago when Rabbi Il started teaching Judaism, leading to the first pair of tefillin being given to a young man at a Jerusalem pub. He established a principle of never compromising on the kashrut and quality of the tefillin, with every pair undergoing rigorous inspection.
Following the outbreak of war, the project expanded significantly due to a surge in demand from soldiers and civilians. The team collects tefillin from donors, has them thoroughly inspected and repaired by certified scribes, and then distributes them to those committed to wearing them regularly. Many of the donated tefillin come from the Haredi community, with the intention of protecting soldiers on the front lines. Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein has endorsed the initiative, highlighting the protective power of tefillin against the enemy.
Beyond providing protection, the project offers spiritual merit to the deceased, as their tefillin, when used daily, bring immense elevation to their souls. Rabbi Il personally vets recipients to ensure genuine commitment, and follow-ups indicate high rates of consistent use.
Rabbi Il has compiled inspiring true stories from this initiative into his new book, "K"shar shel Tefillin" (A Bond of Tefillin), which details the power of this mitzvah to connect different worlds. The book highlights the spiritual awakening occurring in Israel, emphasizing that each act of wearing tefillin transforms the individual and their family. The process of inspecting, repairing, and preparing the tefillin requires significant financial resources, and contributions, whether through donating old tefillin or funding their preparation, provide soldiers with spiritual protection.
