Wounded IDF Soldiers Find Hope: New Device helps amputees lay tefilin on their own 

A pioneering device developed in Jerusalem is transforming daily religious practice for Israeli soldiers who lost arms in combat, allowing them to independently put on tefillin - traditional Jewish prayer items that have previously required two hands to wear properly.

Before we get into that though, we need to ask: According to Halacha, do soldiers with only one arm still need to put on tefilin?

According to Jewish law, a person who has lost their left arm is still obligated to lay tefillin, but they would put it on their right arm instead. If they've lost their right arm, they would use their left arm. The key principle is that the obligation to lay tefillin remains even with the loss of a limb.

Specific halakhic guidelines state:

1. If someone has lost their left arm above the elbow - they put tefillin on their right arm
2. If they've lost their right arm - they put tefillin on their left arm
3. If they have neither arm - they are exempt from the arm portion (tefillin shel yad) but still required to wear the head tefillin (tefillin shel rosh)

Engineering the Solution

The innovation, developed through a unique collaboration between ALYN Hospital's PELE Center and Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital's Milbat Center, consists of a precision-engineered mounting system that secures the tefillin's leather box to the arm in the exact position required by Jewish law. The device features a specialized mechanism for wrapping the leather straps, allowing users to complete the complex ritual with minimal arm movement.

"One of our biggest challenges was ensuring precise positioning," explains Hila Burel, director of the PELE Center. "The tefillin must be placed exactly on the bicep facing the heart, and the straps need to be wrapped in a specific pattern. For someone with one arm, this was previously almost impossible to do alone."

Real-World Impact

Itai, a 26-year-old combat soldier who lost part of his hand in operational activity, was among the first to test the device. "Before this, I needed help every morning," he said. "The device includes a clever mechanism that lets me position the tefillin perfectly and wrap the straps with just minimal movement. It's given me back my independence in religious practice."

Technical Specifications

The device includes:

- A stabilizing mount that attaches to the remaining portion of the arm

- A precision positioning system for the tefillin box

- A guide mechanism for the straps

- Adjustable components to accommodate different arm sizes and injury types

Religious Compliance

Rabbi Tzvi Porat, who serves as the halakhic advisor at both hospitals, worked closely with the development team. "We faced complex religious questions," he explained. "For instance, we needed to ensure the tefillin maintained direct contact with the body while still being secure enough to stay in place. The device needed to meet strict religious requirements while remaining practical for daily use."

Development Process

The project began at an event called "Yesh Lehaniach," which brought together rehabilitation specialists, engineers, and religious experts. The team used an iterative design process, working directly with injured soldiers to test and refine prototypes.

"Each injury is unique," notes Einat Carmeli, director of Milbat-Sheba. "We had to create a system flexible enough to accommodate different injury types while maintaining precise positioning requirements."

Current Implementation

The device is now in active use at several Israeli rehabilitation centers, primarily serving soldiers injured during recent military operations. Medical staff report that the psychological impact has been as significant as the practical benefits.

"For many of our patients, regaining the ability to perform religious rituals independently has been crucial to their recovery process," says Burel. "It's about more than just physical rehabilitation - it's about restoring dignity and religious autonomy."

Future Development

The development team is currently working on adaptations for different types of injuries and exploring ways to make the device more widely available to civilians with similar needs. They're also documenting their design process to help other medical centers develop similar adaptive religious devices.

The team emphasizes that every solution is customized to the individual's specific injury pattern and needs, with ongoing support and adjustments provided as needed.

Ynet contributed to this account.