Phylactery

Phylactery (Gr. phylactêrion, 'an amulet'), the name given in the New Testament to small square boxes of parchment or black calf-skin, containing strips of parchment or vellum with certain texts of Scripture (Exod. xiii. 2-10, 11-17; Deut. vi. 4-9, 13-22) written on them. The phylacteries are worn on the left arm and on the head by all Jews (except Karaïtes) above thirteen years of age on week-day mornings during the time of prayer. This is done in accordance with their interpretation of Exod. xiii. 9-16. Some Russian and Polish Jews wear phylacteries all day; and they have at times been worn as amulets against demons. The writing of phylacteries is in the hands of privileged scribes (Soferim) only, and many and scrupulous are the ordinances which they have to follow in the execution of this task.