The Fast for Dropping Tefillin

We are told that one who drops his tefillin, or is otherwise responsible for them falling to the ground, should fast.[1] The fast serves to atone for not having been careful enough when handling the tefillin to ensure they would not fall.[2] The fast is only required if the tefillin were completely exposed. If, however, they were in their bag, or even if they were merely covered with a protective covering, such as the plastic casings that are commonly placed on the tefillin in order to protect them, then one is not required to fast.[3] Even when fasting is not truly required, one should give tzedaka as a form of atonement for the tefillin having fallen to the floor.[4]

According to some authorities, one is only required to fast if the shel-rosh falls to the ground. The reason for this is that the shel-rosh is the holier of the two tefillin. This is because it consists of four separate scrolls, in four separate compartments, rather than just one scroll in one compartment. The shel-rosh is also considered holier than the shel-yad due to the letter “shin,” representing the name of God, which appears on the left and right side of the bayit.

Other authorities do not differentiate between the shel-yad and the shel-rosh for the purpose of fasting and rule that one must fast if either of them is dropped.[5] One who drops his tefillin while putting them on for shacharit should consider fasting that same day, if one did not yet eat or drink anything that morning.[6] If one did already eat or drink something that morning, then one should fast the next day.[7]

One who falls while wearing tefillin need not fast if the tefillin themselves did not touch the ground.[8] One who is old, ill, or otherwise unable to fast should redeem his fast with a generous donation to tzedaka, such as the amount of money that one spends in a day on food.[9] Other authorities, acknowledging that fasting is difficult for most people, rule that it is sufficient to fast for half a day.[10] It is also suggested that, in place of fasting, one increase his Torah study that day, especially by studying material related to the mitzva of tefillin.[11] Indeed, some authorities exempt Torah scholars from having to fast for dropping tefillin, if doing so would negatively impact the quality of their Torah study.[12] Finally, there is also a view that one may "fast" by means of speech, namely, by committing not to speak any idle or inappropriate speech for the entire day.[13]

One who drops tefillin that have never been worn need not fast, though a donation to tzedaka should be made.[14] Some authorities rule that if it is clear that tefillin were dropped or fell due to no fault of one’s own, then one is not obligated to fast.[15] There is also a view that one is not required to fast if the height of the fall was less than about twelve inches.[16] One need not fast if one drops tefillin that are not kosher.[17] There is no penalty for tefillin that were dropped but landed on a table or other surface.[18]

Only the person who actually dropped the tefillin is required to fast. Those who merely observed the incident are not required to do so.[19] Some authorities suggest that one who drops his tefillin should have them checked.[20] A sofer who drops tefillin while working on them is not required to fast.[21] It is important to ensure that one’s tefillin straps do not touch the ground when putting on the tefillin as they too are holy. If they do touch the ground, however, there is no obligation to fast or even give tzedaka.[22]

[1] Magen Avraham 44:5; Mishna Berura 40:3; Igrot Moshe, OC 4:40:18.

[2] Imrei Eish, OC 6; Yesodei Yeshurun, Tefillin 27; Gevul Yehuda 7; Igrot Moshe, OC 3:3; Tzitz Eliezer 5:1.; Tzitz Eliezer 5:1.

[3] Mishna Berura 40:3; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 44:3; Avnei Yashfei 2:1. Some rule that the plastic coverings that only cover the actual bayit but leaves the base and knot exposed are not sufficient to exempt one from the fast. See Shevet Hakehati 4:26.

[4] Mishna Berura 40:3; Rivevot Ephraim 1:30:5.

[5] Piskei Teshuvot 40 note 3.

[6] Be'er Heitev OC 571:1; Kaf Hachaim, OC 40:6; Lev Avraham 1:4; Mahari Bruna 127; Piskei Teshuvot 40 note 5.

[7] One should “accept” the fast upon oneself at Mincha, as is required for private fasts that take place the next day.

[8] Rivevot Ephraim 1:30:5.

[9] Shevet Halevi 5:5; Chaim Sha’al 1:12; Yabia Omer 2:28; Divrei Chaim, YD 1:59.

[10] Chaim Sha’al 1:12.

[11] Mahari Bruna 127.

[12] Chaim Sha’al 1:12.

[13] Rivevot Ephraim 6:14; Az Nidberu 8:20.

[14] Shevet Halevi 5:5.

[15] Daat Torah 44:1.

[16] Kaf Hachaim, OC 40:7.

[17] Ot Chaim V’shalom 44:1; Rivevot Ephraim 1:30:6.

[18] Kaf Hachaim, OC 40:7; Atzei Halevanon 2:71.

[19] Shaarei Teshuva 40:1; Igrot Moshe, OC 3:3; Mishpetei Shmuel 12; Be’er Moshe 3:9:4, 4:86:9; Halichot Shlomo 1:12:39.

[20] Afarkasta D’anya 3:194.

[21] Shevet Halevi 5:4.

[22] Machatzit Hashekel 44:5