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How long are the Tefilin Shel Rosh straps supposed to be? What is the minimum Shiur and what is the maximum?

Isaac Moses
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Gershon Gold
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  • If we are talking about the length of the straps it worth mentioning that the straps should be of different length, I mean one shorter then another. Don't know what is the source for that. – jutky Aug 02 '11 at 18:22
  • @jutky, http://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/9229 – msh210 Aug 02 '11 at 20:57

2 Answers2

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The bar mitzva volume of Nit'ei Gavri'el #52 quotes the following practices:

  • Some say the straps should reach the legs. (Mishna B'rura 27:35)
  • Some say the right strap should reach below the belt and the left to the navel. (Shulchan Aruch 27:11)
  • Some say the right strap should reach the navel and the left to the chest. (Tur 27)

The latter two sound like neither maxima nor minima, but exact preferable ranges.

WAF
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  • I don't see any such claim in the Shulchan Arukh there. He just quotes the Rambam cited in zaq's answer. – Double AA Dec 03 '15 at 05:50
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According to the Rambam

The length of the straps of the head tefillin should be sufficient to surround the head, tie the knot, and extend on either side of the head until they reach the navel or slightly above it.

zaq
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