The different types of Tefillin
Although all tefillin look very similar to the untrained eye, there are actually several different types. Tefillin boxes are molded from leather, and the verses inside the boxes are handwritten on parchment by a specially trained scribe. The different types of tefillin are classified based on the quality of these components.
Tefillin are divided into three categories based on the quality of the leather boxes:
1.Peshutim: Tefillin crafted from two separate pieces of leather are known as tefillin peshutim, the simplest tefillin.
2.Dakkot: Tefillin made from one very thin piece of leather are called tefillin dakkot, thin tefillin.
3.Gassot: Tefillin formed from one very thick piece of leather are called tefillin gassot, thick tefillin. These are the most durable (and expensive) kind.
Which pair is right for me?
Looking at all the categories of tefillin, and considering their price differences, it can be hard to know which pair is right for you. Tefillin peshutim may be the cheapest, but they are also the lowest quality. And while tefillin gassot are most expensive, they are extremely durable and much easier to repair.
Ideally, we try to fulfill mitzvahs in the most beautiful manner we can. With your budget in mind, consider buying the highest quality tefillin that you can afford. Of course, you fulfill the mitzvah of tefillin with even the most basic pair, provided they are kosher according to Jewish law.
