Ashdod Rabbi Warns Heat Can Ruin Tefillin Left in Cars During Heatwave

Rabbi Ovadia Dahan, chairman of the Religious Council in Ashdod, issued an urgent warning against leaving tefillin and tallit bags inside vehicles during the current heatwave in Israel. Temperatures inside closed cars parked under direct sunlight can soar above 70 degrees Celsius, causing the ink on the tefillin parchments to dry, melt, or stick together. This damage renders the tefillin halachically invalid and results in costly irreversible harm.

The Religious Council reported that in the past month alone, several pairs of tefillin were brought to their offices after being disqualified due to heat damage sustained while left in car trunks or on seats. Rabbi Dahan emphasized that to avoid distress and financial loss, travelers and drivers should never leave tefillin in vehicles, even briefly, and should always store them in shaded, air-conditioned places or carry them along.

This advisory highlights the unexpected risks the intense heatwave poses to sacred Jewish ritual items, urging the public to take precautions during outdoor activities and travel in the hot weather.