We are coming to the end of the Hakhel year (of gathering). All year long, Chabad centers around the world have held unity events for the express purpose of bringing people together. There have been Mega Challah Bakes and similar programs. Here in New Orleans, Chabad of Louisiana is approaching this with an innovative twist – A Mega Tefillin Wrap.
The goal is to get as many Jewish men as possible together for the purpose of laying Tefillin. In 1967 the Rebbe launched the Tefillin campaign, calling on Jewish men to rededicate themselves to this tradition. It is not uncommon to be stopped on the streets of New York, Miami, Melbourne or Tel Aviv and asked to lay Tefillin. Chabad of Louisiana is combining these two campaigns into one event – the Mega Tefillin Wrap – bringing Jewish men together in unity to wrap Tefillin. We are calling on all Jewish men, those who already wrap Tefillin each day to come with their Tefillin, along with those that do not, to come together and help each other.
The Mega Tefillin Wrap event is scheduled for Sunday, September 25 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Audubon Tea Room, 6500 Magazine St. There will be music and refreshments. This is a joint campaign of all five Chabad branches in our region, Chabad Uptown, Metairie, Tulane, Baton Rouge and Biloxi.
I reached out to a friend, who committed to laying Tefillin each day, and asked him to share his Tefillin story to inspire others. Here is Stewart Homler’s Tefillin story.
“About 2 years ago, I decided to regularly lay Tefillin. At that time I was 52 and I recall that I had only worn Tefillin on 4 prior occasions. The 1st time surrounded my bar-mitzvah and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th times surrounded each of my 3 son’s bar-mitzvahs. In the past, I had never given much thought as to why one would take time out of his busy morning to wear Tefillin or what one could possibly derive from this daily experience.
It all started for me several years ago while visiting my parent’s home in NY and being drawn to a portrait of my great-great-grand uncle shown wearing his arm and head Tefillin. I often found myself staring at this painting and trying to interpret this elderly man’s facial expression and the calmness that seemed to embrace him. I was intrigued.
Shortly after this visit, while attending a Judaism class in downtown New Orleans, I was given the opportunity to once again lay Tefillin. Though I needed some assistance wrapping my arm and positioning the head Tefillin, as I read through the Shema I felt a personal connection with Hashem that I never experienced before. It was a sensation that Hashem was standing by my side and a further feeling that I was given a gift, Tefillin.
With the assistance of Rabbi Mendel, I purchased my own Tefillin, practiced wearing it, and learned the appropriate readings. I always recite all readings in Hebrew and English to make sure all is clear in my mind. Whenever I travel for work or pleasure, I always pack my Tefillin!
Perhaps what I now feel is a taste of what my great-great-grand uncle had expressed in his portrait. I believe it is and now two years later I continue to look forward to each morning when I rise and lay Tefillin. No matter what each day might introduce (and sometimes days are crazy), I know that I begin with a healthier heart, mind, and more positive approach as I walk out my front door. I am thankful for this life lasting gift.”
Join us on the 25th for the Mega Tefillin Wrap. Please let us know that you will be participating.
While I usually avoid using this forum to directly address personal matters, I will make an exception and take this opportunity to wish my wife, Malkie, a happy 20th anniversary. I look forward to sharing many more wonderful years together.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin