Tefillin Bank

A Brief History of the Tefillin Campaign

In the wake of the Six Day War in 1967, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, encouraged a proactive major campaign to put Tefillin on every Jewish male who did not currently do so. “Go out into the streets and find a Jew Who has not yet put on Tefillin and help him with this special mitzvah,” he exhorted.

1967. The Lubavitcher Rebbe introduces the Tefillin Campaign, instructing his followers to help Jews with the Mitzvah of Tefillin.

1968. A Tefillin stand is established et the Kotel to encourage Jewish men to put on Teffilin.

1974. The Mitzvah Tank hits the streets, an inviting venue to enter and do Tefillin and other mitzvos.

1980. Tefillin has become the iconic mitzvah offered by Chabad outreach on a global scale. Chabad shluchim offer Tefillin in hospitals, on military bases, college campuses and many other venues. On Friday afternoons, Chabad students worldwide make work place visits offering personal help to businessmen and professionals who would like to perform this special mitzvah.

1992. The Aleph Institute creates a free-of-charge Tefillin Bank for incarcerated Jews.

2004. In the USA “The Kushner Tefillin Bank” opens, distributing pairs of Tefillin to men committing to weekday Teflllin use.

2007. A Tefillin Bank opens in Brazil.

2008. A Tefillin Bank opens in South Africa.

2009. A Tefillin Bank opens in France.

Mission Statement

Since this revolutionary announcement, millions of Jews around the world have put on Tefillin, in the most unexpected circumstances and places. Surprised then enthusiastic, sometimes reluctant but most often convinced, they put on Tefillin thanks to the Rebbe’s emissaries, some for the first time in their lives, thus celebrating their Bar Mitzvah. Politicians, writers, soldiers, merchants, athletes, students, artists, the sick, travelers, tourists, retirees… In an airport or in front of the Kotel (the Western Wall, one of the first places where a permanent Tefillin stand was installed, at the Rebbe’s request), in friendly gatherings or during celebrations… This first time was often followed by a true awareness of the importance of this Mitzvah, of the importance of a Jewish life lived completely and joyfully. How many Jews owe their return to a Jewish life, partial or complete, to this campaign? The figures are staggering, but given the scale of this campaign, all rabbinical authorities have recognized its impact and encouraged it.