Ohev Sholom Congregation

Putting a high-altitude misunderstanding in perspective

Last week's article "Flight diverted to Pa. after confusion over prayer" (Jan. 21, 2010), drew national attention to an otherwise less famous ritual.

In a way it is ironic: As a result of a misunderstanding and perhaps a lack of knowledge, a nationwide informal, mass-information campaign of sorts has been born. Many readers around the country came away from the article thinking, "What actually are these boxes and straps"? Rabbis from all over have been answering the questions of many a curious reader.

The Tefilin, or Phylacteries as they are known in the Hellenized form, are an ancient Jewish religious item dating back to biblical times. The commandment regarding Tefilin can be found four times in the Bible (Ex. 13:9, Ex. 13:16, Deut. 6:8, Deat. 11:18), and is extrapolated and explained (as all Biblical commandments are in the Jewish Religion) at length in the Talmud.

Every practicing Jewish boy learns to don Tefilin, before his 13th birthday. After that, they are worn every morning (except for Sabbath and Holy days) during the morning prayers. The Tefilin have two leather boxes with straps, one is worn on the head and the other on the left arm, near the heart. This symbolizes that we give ourselves over fully to God and pray that our minds and hearts-thoughts and emotions, always be pure and dedicated to Him and His service.

The leather boxes contain Holy Scriptures, written by a special scribe with a feather quill on parchment. The complex and intricate way that the Tefilin are made, and the way they are used during ritual, has been virtually exactly the same for over 3,000 years.

I have had the opportunity to pray many times on my travels across the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian. To be honest, I have always enjoyed praying "in the Heavens." What could be more inspiring than reciting words of prayer and praise to G-d, while peering out the window at G-d's splendid creation? The words of King David fill my mind "How many are your works, O L-rd! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures" (Psalms 104:24).

In today's terror-smitten world, there is a genuine fear and concern for our well-being and safety in the air.

There is indeed need for heightened caution and vigilance.

Does this mean that prayer should be banned from the skies? I certainly hope not. It would be a tragedy for civilization as a whole, if a few radical terrorists would be successful in causing that thousands of travelers would not be able to peacefully worship God while traveling. Something however, should be done to avoid this type of confusion in the future. Here is what I propose: Mutual sensitivity and understanding.

From now on, whenever I am en route somewhere and the time for prayer arrives, before I reach for my Tefilin I will add something new to my prayer routine. I will first approach the flight attendants, quietly and politely, and explain to them what it is that I am about to do. In the same manner, I will also offer an explanation to fellow passenger sitting nearby. The last thing I want is for anyone to be alarmed or afraid, even if it does not result in a plane being grounded. I also encourage my fellow coreligionists to exercise the same courtesy.

And also, perhaps this episode could act as a wakeup call of sorts, that it doesn't hurt take an interest and to be informed about our neighbors' and friends' religious and cultural practices.

We live in the most blessed country on earth, where people from all corners of the world are granted the opportunity to live in peace and harmony with one another and to worship G-d (if they so choose) according to their own tradition. By learning more about each other, we help make the world a better place (now, isn't that the ultimate goal of all religions?) because knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding leads to peace and acceptance.

I would like to extend an invitation, both to fellow men and women of the cloth as well as lay-people.

If you are interested in learning more about Tefilin or other Jewish traditions, please contact me. I would be more than happy to come to your Church, school, civic club or wherever appropriate, and talk and demonstrate how Tefilin are made and used in prayer.

May we all merit to see true peace "in heaven" and on earth. Amen.

Rabbi Shaul A. Rappeport

Congregation Ohev Sholom, Williamsport