As we gather today, we extend blessings to one another: may you merit to fulfill mitzvot, have a good and blessed week, a good and blessed month, and a joyous Chanukah. We are grateful for the dedication of this session to the study of daily halacha, particularly in the memory of Chaim ben Mazal, with a special focus on our current discussion found in the Bekiim b'Halacha edition.
We are now on page 242, engaging in Halacha 18, which addresses the proper treatment of tefillin during intimate relations. In our previous halacha, we learned that ideally, tefillin should be kept in a separate room. If that is not possible, as long as the tefillin are covered with two layers, it is permissible. The תיקון חץ is considered one cover, and a second cover can be a bag, a drawer, or even a towel. This situation often arises in hotel rooms where space is limited.
Regarding books, an important distinction was made last week: a book's cover counts as one layer of protection. Therefore, if you have a printed book with a cover, it is acceptable to have relations in that room, although it remains preferable to store the book in a drawer or closet. Many individuals keep their books on night tables; as long as these books are not hand-printed and remain in good condition, there is room to be lenient.
Now, let us consider a room where a mezuzah is affixed to the doorpost. Even if the mezuzah is located inside the room and there is no actual door, it is permissible to engage in intimate relations there. This is because the mezuzah is positioned above ten tefachim, which is approximately 32 inches, thus creating a separate zone. The mezuzah is considered fixed and attached to the house, and this leniency applies especially when the mezuzah is covered, as it counts as one layer of protection.
Moving on to Halacha 19, we learn that one should not relieve themselves in a room where tefillin are present. This ruling is particularly relevant in settings like bathrooms or hospital rooms. If tefillin are in the same room, they must be covered with a container within a container. This is especially significant in scenarios where one may need to change a diaper in proximity to tefillin, which is strictly prohibited due to the presence of filth.
There are leniencies noted in some texts regarding changing a diaper in a room with tefillin, but caution is advised. It is best to avoid such situations entirely. The prohibition stems from the disrespect associated with placing tefillin in a compromised environment. Even when using a double container, it is preferable to change the child elsewhere.
We also discussed the proper handling of tefillin in various situations. For instance, it is forbidden to place tefillin under one’s feet or head, as this is considered disrespectful. If tefillin must be placed on a bed, they should be under a pillow, which can serve as a protective layer. However, for a married couple wishing to be intimate, the tefillin must be encased in two containers to maintain their sanctity.
In cases where one’s hands have touched unclean areas or parts of the body that are typically covered, they must wash their hands before handling tefillin. If someone mistakenly wore their tefillin during intimacy, they should not touch the tefillin until they have washed their hands, as this is a matter of ritual purity.
Furthermore, we see a discussion regarding synagogue benches that may have cubbies underneath for storing tefillin. While it may be technically permissible to sit on a bench above tefillin stored in a cubby, a God-fearing person should avoid doing so out of respect for their sanctity. It is essential to uphold the dignity of tefillin at all times, including when traveling or using public transportation.
Finally, we conclude with the order of putting on tefillin. One should first don the tefillin shel yad (the hand tefillin) and then the tefillin shel rosh (the head tefillin). This order is based on the scriptural command, which emphasizes the hand first. Although there is a general principle that one should not skip over a mitzvah, the order prescribed by the Torah takes precedence. In cases where the tefillin shel rosh is already being held, one must place it down, cover it, and proceed with the tefillin shel yad first.