Putting on tefillin is accompanied by a short blessing, and in some customs a second one. This guide gives the tefillin prayer in Hebrew, transliteration, and English, along with the basic laws of when the blessings are said.
Customs differ between communities, so follow the practice of your family, community, and rabbi.
The Blessing on the Shel Yad
After placing the arm tefillin, as shown in our guide to how to put on tefillin, and before tightening the strap, the tefillin blessing is recited:
Baruch atah Ado-nai Elo-heinu melech ha'olam, asher kideshanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lehani'ach tefillin.
"Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to put on tefillin." This mirrors the mezuzah blessing said when affixing a mezuzah.
The Blessing on the Shel Rosh
Customs differ here. In many Ashkenazi communities, when there is a pause between the arm and head tefillin, a second blessing is said over the head tefillin ending al mitzvat tefillin, followed quietly by Baruch shem kevod malchuto le'olam va'ed. In many Sephardic communities only the first blessing is said when there is no interruption, and Chabad has its own detailed custom.
Because this depends directly on minhag, confirm the correct practice with your rabbi. The differences track the same traditions that shape the kosher tefillin a person wears.
Do Not Interrupt Between the Two
One should not speak or intentionally pause between placing the shel yad and the shel rosh. An interruption can change whether a second blessing is required, which is one reason customs differ. If it happens, follow your established practice. The construction of the two boxes is explained in our guide to how tefillin are made.
After Wrapping
Many wind the strap around the finger while reciting the verses from Hoshea, "I will betroth you to Me forever," expressing the bond of the mitzvah. Understanding what tefillin are and what they contain deepens the meaning of the blessing. Tefillin are then worn through the morning prayers and removed afterward.
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