Many people go for a yearly physical to make sure everything is “working like it should be,” and for the assurance of mind that their bodies are in good health. On Labor Day, September 7, 2015, Congregation Beth Aaron invited several sofrim from Hanacha K’Halacha (Tefillin Awareness Project) for a tefillin check up to make sure that the tefillin of the mispallelim were in good health and being worn in accordance with halacha. Hanacha K’Halacha is an amazing organization, run selflessly by Avrohom Schachter, which checks, among other things, the placement of the Shel Yad and its Kesher and the Shel Rosh and its Kesher, in addition to the blackness and width of the Retzuos and the position of the Tefiros. The sofrim arrived prior to the first selichos and stayed until after the last minyan ended, over four hours later. Many issues were corrected and for those that could not be corrected on the spot, plans of action were formulated. As Reb Schachter points out, the mitzvah of wearing tefillin takes place approximately 300 times every year, yet many do not realize that they may not actually be fulfilling the mitzvah due to any number of factors including the placement and color. The event was well attended and appreciated by all and it is the hope of the mispallelim that they will continue to fulfill this mitzvah properly. It is strongly recommended that other shuls and yeshivos make arrangements and take advantage of this priceless opportunity. More information can be obtained by calling 718-377-6735 or emailing [email protected].

By Rob Ernst