The Blessing for Tefillin (Bracha, Hebrew, and Translation)
Two blessings are recited when putting on tefillin — one for the arm tefillin and (in most communities) one for the head tefillin. Both must be said at the right moment and in the right order. Here are the full texts in Hebrew, transliteration, and English.
The blessing for the arm tefillin (shel yad)
Recited after positioning the arm tefillin on the bicep, BEFORE tightening the strap:
Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהָנִיחַ תְּפִלִּין.
Transliteration: Baruch Atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'haniach tefillin.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to put on tefillin.
The blessing for the head tefillin (shel rosh)
Ashkenazic custom recites this second blessing before tightening the head tefillin. Most Sephardim do NOT say this blessing — they only say the first one and have the head tefillin in mind.
Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל מִצְוַת תְּפִלִּין.
Transliteration: Baruch Atah Ado-nai, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al mitzvat tefillin.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of tefillin.
Immediately after, Ashkenazim add quietly: Baruch shem k'vod malchuto l'olam va'ed — 'Blessed is the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.'
The verses recited while wrapping the finger
After both tefillin are in place and the hand wraps are being completed around the middle finger, the following verses from Hoshea (2:21–22) are said:
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי לְעוֹלָם, וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בְּצֶדֶק וּבְמִשְׁפָּט וּבְחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים. וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בֶּאֱמוּנָה, וְיָדַעַתְּ אֶת יְהֹוָה.
V'erastich li l'olam, v'erastich li b'tzedek u'v'mishpat u'v'chesed u'v'rachamim. V'erastich li b'emunah, v'yada'at et Ado-nai.
'I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you to Me with righteousness, justice, kindness, and compassion. I will betroth you to Me with faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.'
Important rule: no speaking between the blessings
Once the arm blessing is recited, you may not speak, gesture, or be interrupted until the head tefillin is in place and (for Ashkenazim) the second blessing is said. If you do speak by accident, you must recite the second blessing again — even Sephardim, who normally don't say it.
For the full step-by-step of when each blessing fits in, see How to Put On Tefillin.
Want to learn one-on-one?
For Bar Mitzvah preparation, kosher tefillin, or a private tefillin lesson in Miami, WhatsApp Rabbi Levi Backman, Certified Sofer STaM, at 845-729-1459.
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