Why do some people wear two sets of Tefillin?

Since the Gaonic times (between the sixth and eleventh century) there has been a variety of opinions regarding how the four passages from the Bible that are placed in Tefillin should be arranged. This is the basis of the reason that a number of Jewish people will don two pairs of Tefillin.

In the Tefillin box placed on the arm the Biblical passages are written on one parchment scroll and in the Tefillin box that is placed on the head each passage is placed in it's own compartment. The passages are from Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13-21. All four passages speak of the obligation to wear Tefillin.

The Talmud says that the first two of the aforementioned passages should be placed to the right of the individual, opposite the wearer of Tefillin whereas the other two should be placed to the left. It continues, saying that if the passages are placed in the wrong order this invalidates the Tefillin!

The problem arises in the way that this Talmudic passage is interpreted. There are those who claim that "to the left" starts from the centre of the Tefillin and extends to the left. This is the opinion of Rashi. Rashi's grandson, the Rabbeinu Tam disagreed and claims that "to the left" means starting from the very left side of the Tefillin and extending inwards.

The Shulchan Aruch takes the side of Rashi yet states that "all G-d fearing individuals" should have two pairs- on representing each opinion and should don both every day. Many Hassidim do so because according to the mystical teachings it is very important to do so because each set represents a different holy energy.

Interestingly, in Qumran, the place at which the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, Tefillin were found that followed both schools of thought which just shows that this Halakhic debate goes back to ancient times.

Another interesting tidbit is that it is possible to differentiate between Tefillin that go according to Rashi's opinion and Tefillin that go according to Rabbeinu Tam's opinion. How so? There are protruding calves' hairs on both kinds of Tefillin which stick out of the Tefillin that are bound to the head. On Rashi Tefillin these hairs protrude on the line between the first and second sections whereas on Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin these hairs protrude on the line between the second and third sections.

Halakhic Questions regarding Mezuzah

Q: Does an elevator require a Mezuzah? How about on each floor at the entrance to the elevator?

A: There are a number of opinions. The Minchat Yitzhak rules that the elevator itself needs a Mezuzah yet there is no need to place one at the entrance of every floor. The Chovat Hadar holds that there should be a Mezuzah on the right side of those entering the elevator, barring the main entrance of the building where a Mezuzah should be placed on the right side of those leaving the elevator. According to the Be'er Moshe, there is no need whatsoever for a Mezuzah in the case of an elevator. Pitchei Shearim writes that all floors should have a Mezuzah on one's right side when coming out of the elevator. What is best do is place the Mezuzah and not recite a Bracha.

Q: Is there a "proper" way to kiss the Mezuzah? I see that some people kiss their fingers first and then touch the Mezuzah, whereas others touch it and then kiss their fingers?

A: The Rema speaks of the custom to touch the Mezuzah and say a verse when passing through the entrance. The custom of kissing one's hand actually appears in later Halachic works, such as the Birkei Yosef. There is even a custom, as recorded in Pichei Shearim to stare at the Mezuzah.

Q: Is there a specific size that a Mezuzah must be?

A: No, it can be whatever size you want. However, keep in mind that the smaller the Mezuzah the harder it is to write the lettering on the parchment inside because the smaller the lettering is the more Halakhic problems one is likely to run in to.

Q: We're redecorating our house. What should we do regarding Mezuzot?

A: You should take them down to prevent the chance of them getting damaged. It is also a good opportunity to get them checked if they are due for a check-up anyway (twice every seven years). You should also make a Bracha when re-affixing it the first Mezuzah and have in mind all the others too.

Q: In my house, the doorframes are metal. How should I apply Mezuzot in a Kosher manner?

A: According to Chovat Hadar, Mezuzot should be attached to doorposts in a way that makes them difficult to remove by hand. Therefore, one can use a drill and screws, cement or even very strong double-sided tape, providing it is strong enough to make removal difficult.