Source: A postscript to a letter written in the Rebbe's name, 8 Adar I 5722: Igros Kodesh, vol. 22, no. 8354.
In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim, Siman 32, seif 33.
1. The Importance of Piety in Making Tefillin
Today’s discussion centers on the significance of those involved in the process of making tefillin—phylacteries. It is emphasized that individuals engaged in this holy work must be exceptionally pious and God-fearing, striving for the highest level of yiras Shamayim—awe of Heaven. The occasion was a particular case that surprised the woman who wrote in: a yeshiva student, who does not have a beard, is nonetheless working in the production of tefillin. The postscript says that her surprise is understandable: "מובנת הפליאה לכתבה, שהבחור הוא בן ישיבה אבל בלי זקן ועובד בעשיית תפילין" ("The surprise you write of is understandable, that the young man is a yeshiva student but without a beard, and works in making tefillin").
This situation raises questions about the standards expected from those who participate in such sacred tasks. The Rebbe highlights that our sages, and especially the Holy Zohar, stress the importance of growing one’s beard, particularly for someone immersed in Torah study and engaged in holy work like making tefillin.
2. The Holiness of Tefillin and Its Makers
The act of making tefillin is described as one of the holiest forms of work. Our sages say: "הוקשה כל התורה כולה לתפילין" ("The entire Torah is compared to tefillin") (Kiddushin 35a). The Rebbe points out that within the tefillin, God’s holy and honorable name appears 21 times, underscoring their sanctity.
Because so many people rely on these tefillin throughout their lives, everything depends on the level of fear of Heaven possessed by those who make them: "וכל הלובשים תפילין במשך הזמן, תלוים בהיראת שמים של זה העוסק ועובד בעשיית התפילין" ("All who wear the tefillin over time depend on the fear of Heaven of the one who is engaged and works in making them"). The spiritual quality and effectiveness of every pair are directly linked to the yiras Shamayim of its maker.
3. Standards for All Involved in Tefillin Production
It is not only the scribe writing the parshiyos—the Torah passages placed inside the tefillin—who must be pious. Even those simply involved in assembling or crafting any part of the tefillin, regardless of their specific role, are held to this high standard.
The Rebbe stresses that meticulousness and piety are required at every stage. In this context, growing a beard is highlighted as an outward sign reflecting inner spiritual commitment, especially for someone involved in such a holy endeavor. The postscript closes: "ויהי רצון שעכ"פ מכאן ולהבא - יגדל זקנו האברך הנ"ל, וע"פ המבואר בזהר הק', תתגדל עי"ז גם ברכת השי"ת בהמצטרך" ("May it be Hashem's will that at least from now on the young man will grow his beard, and, as explained in the holy Zohar, Hashem's blessing in whatever is needed will also grow through this").
4. The Broader Message: Personal Conduct and Sacred Work
Ultimately, this teaching serves as a reminder that personal conduct matters greatly when performing mitzvos or engaging in sacred activities. Those who make items used for mitzvos must themselves embody holiness and reverence.
The expectation is not only technical skill but also visible signs of religious observance and inner devotion—qualities that inspire confidence and ensure that mitzvos are performed with utmost sanctity.