Standing out among the nations

“Hashem will confirm you for Himself as a holy people, as He swore to you, if you observe the commandments of Hashem and go in His ways. Then all the peoples of the earth will see that the Name of Hashem is proclaimed over you and they will fear you.” (28:9-10)

The Targum (Yonasan/Yerushalmi) and Talmud (Brochos 6a, Menachos 35b) take this as a reference to tefillin on the head. In context (see verse 7-8), this refers to the battlefield. Can soldiers wear tefillin on the battlefield while facing off with the enemy? Tefillin require concentration. The battle is an obvious distraction. Perhaps those back home wear the tefillin, but how does this scare the enemy? Perhaps it will scare them when they enter the city!

The larger question is: Why is this power of tefillin only available at a time of blessings? What if people are not observing the mitzvos, but are wearing tefillin? Does it not engender fear when an enemy sees the Name of Hashem embossed on them? Furthermore, we have a tradition that
people made great sacrifices to wear tefillin in times when they were banned by the enemy authorities — and we have records of how they helped. And what about women and children who don’t wear tefillin? Perhaps, as long as the adult men wear them, the effect is felt.

Chasam Sofer interprets this verse to refer to the way Israel distinguishes itself, specifically in its modest clothing, language and naming. By holding the moral high ground, Israel demonstrates allegiance to Hashem and His Name. This causes the enemy to fear Israel, because it is
quickly apparent that they are on the side of Hashem.

When Israel listens to and observes the mitzvos, Hashem confirms them as His people … and the peoples of the world see that Hashem’s Name is proclaimed upon them. That is, Hashem will put His Name on Israel.

How do peoples see this? When Israel demonstrates that they value the fact that Hashem’s Name is upon them, and they want to distinguish themselves from the other nations, Israel shows that they want to be different and special. Initially, the nations will mock them. Eventually, they will see that Israel wants to be distinct in their religion and conduct. The tefillin of the head highlights this. One who puts them on without thinking does not necessarily feel the Name of Hashem on his head. One who thinks and concentrates certainly feels it. This very intent and feeling makes an impression on the peoples. They see someone really serious about his tefillin, who is emotional about it. They sense that he recognizes Hashem’s Name on his head, and they are afraid to approach Israel to harm them.

To accomplish this, one need not wear tefillin shel rosh. Dressing modestly and separating oneself from the immodesty of the fashions also shows that one wishes to stand out due to Hashem’s Name. When Israel does the will of Hashem, observing His mitzvos, they are evidently wearing tefillin with the right thoughts.

The nations recognize this, and it leaves a strong impression on the peoples.

If Israel is not busy performing Hashem’s will, even if they wear tefillin, in their minds it is not so special. They wish they could assimilate with the peoples of the earth. Then, it will not have any effect. Rather, it is an insult to the Name of Hashem. The wearer might
feel uncomfortable standing out.

In our times, we all know how we stand out, very often by the outer trappings that proclaim to the world: “I am proud to be different, and to carry the Name of Hashem!” Let us hope and pray that Hashem will confirm us as His people and protect us! PJC

Rabbi Shimon Silver is the spiritual leader of Young Israel of Greater Pittsburgh. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabonim of Greater Pittsburgh.