It Started With Nine Kosher Pairs.
The Tefillin Project began with a single observation and a simple act of care — and grew into a mission to place a kosher pair of tefillin in the hands of every Jewish man who wants one. This is how it happened.
Our History
While working on NCSY Kollel, our founder Yaakov noticed that some public-school participants didn't own a pair of tefillin — despite deeply wanting one. He recovered 15 pairs left behind by students after graduating high school. After a Sofer's inspection, 9 were found kosher — the first step in helping Jewish students form a real connection to tefillin.
Over the next three summers, Yaakov created powerful and unexpected Hanachas Tefillin moments for Jewish high-school and college students from secular backgrounds — meeting young men where they were and giving them a first, unforgettable experience of the mitzvah.
When those initial pairs ran out, Yaakov organized a triple Hachnasas Tefillin for students in the beginner Ohr Somayach track, ages 20–25. With no formal funding and a great deal of divine providence, three pairs were secured in a short time — allowing three young Jewish men to receive their very first pairs.
Those experiences made it clear this needed to become something bigger. The Tefillin Project was born with a single goal: to provide as many deserving Jews as possible with the gift of tefillin.
Initial funding came from Yavneh on Campus, after the project won first place in Yavneh's "Shtark Tank" competition. With that support, five new pairs of tefillin were purchased, branded merch was created — and The Tefillin Project has been growing ever since.
Where We Are Now
From nine recovered pairs to a worldwide movement — and we're only getting started. Join us on the journey to one million wrappers.