Basic Kosher Ashkenaz Tefillin Set

A first pair of tefillin (תְּפִלִּין, prayer boxes) marks the beginning of a deeply personal Jewish practice.

The Basic Kosher Ashkenaz Tefillin Set brings together handwritten Beis Yosef (also spelled Beit Yosef; בֵּית יוֹסֵף, Ashkenazi script) parshiyos (פָּרָשִׁיּוֹת, Torah passages), 32 mm Dakkot (דַּקּוֹת, thin-hide) batim (בָּתִּים, leather boxes) and Premium Or-Elyon retzuos (רְצוּעוֹת, straps) in a complete pair of Ashkenazi tefillin for weekday davening.

Whether chosen as bar mitzvah (בַּר מִצְוָה, Jewish coming of age) tefillin or for an adult beginning the mitzvah (מִצְוָה, commandment), this set follows the Ashkenaz minhag (מִנְהָג, custom), with Rashi order and a square shel rosh (שֶׁל רֹאשׁ, head tefillin) knot. The complete kosher tefillin set includes both the arm and head tefillin, together with a black velvet bag and clear protective outer bag.

Basic Kosher Ashkenaz Tefillin Set Specifications

The writing, leatherwork and configuration below describe a complete Ashkenaz pair, with the practical details that matter when choosing for the wearer.

• Complete Set: Shel yad (שֶׁל יָד, arm tefillin) and shel rosh, fully assembled
• Kosher Status: Guaranteed 100% kosher
• Parshiyos: Handwritten on genuine klaf (קְלָף, parchment) by a Certified Sofer STaM (סוֹפֵר סְתָ״ם, Jewish scribe)
• Writing Origin: Israel
• Checking: Manual examination, computer checking and review by our in-house Certified Sofer STaM in Los Angeles
• Script: Beis Yosef
• Parshiyos Order: Rashi
• Batim: Dakkot, formed from one thin piece of leather, 32 mm / 3.2 cm / approximately 1.26 inches
• Shel Rosh: Four compartments for the four Torah passages
• Shel Rosh Knot: Kesher (קֶשֶׁר, knot) tied as a square knot according to Ashkenaz custom; a dalet knot is available by request
• Shel Yad Knot: Knot shaped like the Hebrew letter yud and kept against the arm box
• Retzuos: Premium Or-Elyon, black on both sides, 15 mm wide
• Minhag: Ashkenaz
• Handedness: Configurations for right-handed and left-handed wearers
• Included Storage: Black velvet tefillin bag and clear protective outer bag

Basic Ashkenaz Tefillin: Beis Yosef Writing and Careful Checking

The parshiyos are the Torah passages written on klaf and placed inside the batim. Their Beis Yosef letter forms also appear in Ashkenazi mezuzah scrolls, although the passages and layouts for the two mitzvos are different. Tefillin parshiyos and mezuzah scrolls are not interchangeable.

The work of a Certified Sofer STaM requires trained judgment about the writing itself. A computer-assisted text check adds another layer of review, while manual examination remains essential to the kosher status of the finished pair.

Manual examination considers the letter forms, spacing and tagin (תָּגִין), the fine crowns on designated letters.

The same respect for sacred writing guides the preparation of handwritten kosher mezuzah klaf. For this tefillin set, our in-house Certified Sofer STaM in Los Angeles also reviews the pair before shipping.

Basic Ashkenaz Tefillin: A Complete Pair Prepared for the Wearer

The batim are sewn closed with gid (גִּיד, kosher animal sinew), a halachic requirement in the way kosher tefillin are made.

The difference between Ashkenazi, Sephardic and Chabad tefillin customs includes writing and knot traditions, so choose according to your family practice. The Right or Left option refers to the wearer's handedness; if that is unclear, confirm the appropriate configuration with your rabbi. Learning how to put on tefillin with a teacher helps the wearer become comfortable with the fit and wrapping practice before regular weekday use.

Our team can help arrange sizing before shipping and confirm the writer, supervision details or checking records available for the particular pair. For gassot (גַּסּוֹת, thick-hide) batim and hand-worked straps within the same minhag, the Mehudar Gassot Ashkenaz Tefillin Set offers a different level of construction. The differences between Basic and Mehudar tefillin concern the writing, leatherwork and straps, while both choices deserve thoughtful fitting and respectful care.

Basic Ashkenaz Tefillin: Care and Confidence Beyond the Purchase

Our 90-day return policy applies to eligible unused purchases, subject to its conditions and exclusions. Protect the batim and straps from moisture, excessive heat and pressure during storage. If their condition becomes a concern, tefillin checking allows a scribe to assess the pair.

With the writing checked and the fit attended to, this complete Ashkenaz set gives the wearer a meaningful beginning to a cherished weekday mitzvah. Choosing and caring for the pair thoughtfully is an expression of hiddur mitzvah (הִדּוּר מִצְוָה, beautifying a commandment).