The Mystery of tefillin

THE MYSTERY OF TEFILLIN : M. M. NINAN
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to the Hebrew tefillah, "prayer." Jacob ben Asher(14th century) suggests that "Tefillin" is derived from the
Hebrew pelilah, "evidence," for Tefillin act as a sign and proof of God's presence among the Jewish people.
The word ‘Phylacteries' comes from an ancient Greek term phylacterion, of phylássein, φυλάσσειν meaning
"to guard, protect" meaning ‘amulet’. The only instance of the name "phylacteries" in ancient times occurs once
in the Greek New Testament (Matthew 23:5). "Phylacteries" comes from the Greek phulaktērion -
φυλακτήριον, "defences," and in late Greek, "amulets" or "charms." The word phylakterion, literally means,
"means of protection." It refers to magical charm and amulet. The Peshitta New Testament of c 450 AD
definitely translates
of Mat 23:5 as tephlaihon.
Hand of Mirium, Mezuzah, Seal Solomon, Chai
Amulets were part of the Jewish tradition as in all cultural and religious traditions. Due to proscription of idols,
Jewish amulets emphasize text and names Examples of textual amulets include the Silver Scroll (as found in
Kettef Hinnon dated c. 630 BC) and the still contemporary mezuzah and Tefillin. There was also visual
symbolism as in the Hand of Miriam, an outline of a human hand. Another non-textual amulet is the Seal of
Solomon, also known as the hexagram or Star of David.
Star of David and Chai pendants
Another common amulet in contemporary us is the Chai symbol—(Hebrew: חַי "living" ḥay ), which is also worn
around the neck. Other similar amulets still in use consist of one of the names of God, such as
יה (He), ה
י (YaH), or
(Shaddai). שד
During the Middle Ages, Maimonides and Sherira Gaon (and his son Hai Gaon) opposed the use of amulets
and derided the "folly of amulet writers." Other rabbis, however, approved the use of amulets since both the
powers of God and the power of darkness (because of the freedom granted by God) exist in human realm.
Though amulet themselves are mere symbols and worthless they remain as potent reminders in common lives
and to provides impetus to conform to our declared faith and empower our person the power of choice. Magic
and alchemy had been the basis of development of science.
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