Our Story

THE TIMELINE

Pairs of Tefillin given by hand to students in Israel, before the project began, 2018 to 2021. 2018 — first pairs given by hand

2018-2021

Before there was an organization, there were pairs given by hand. Public school students. The Kotel. Campuses across Israel.

December 2021

The spark for something bigger begins. A triple Tefillin giveaway at Ohr Sameach in Jerusalem. One of the pairs was gifted to Danny Carr, now the project's Chief Operating Officer.

The triple Tefillin giveaway at Ohr Sameach in Jerusalem, where Danny Carr received his pair, December 2021. Ohr Sameach, Jerusalem — triple giveaway
Yaakov pitching The Tefillin Project at Shtark Tank, where it won $5,000 in seed money, February 2022. Shtark Tank — the winning pitch

February 2022

Yaakov pitches the concept at Shtark Tank. The prize, $5,000 in seed money, becomes The Tefillin Project.

May 2022

The first official Tefillin Project giveaway, to Jason at Binghamton University, with Rabbi Ben Menorah of JLIC.

The first official Tefillin Project giveaway, to Jason at Binghamton University with Rabbi Ben Menorah of JLIC, May 2022. Binghamton University — the first giveaway
The public launch of The Tefillin Project, dedicated in memory of Yaakov's late mother, Shirley Bach, January 2023. Public launch — in memory of Shirley Bach

January 2023

Public launch, with the Project dedicated in memory of Yaakov's late mother, Shirley Bach, Yenta Feigel bas Tzvi Yehudah.

July 2023

The Project's first international giveaway, to Teodoro C. in Paris, France.

The project's first international giveaway, to Teodoro C. in Paris, France, July 2023. Paris, France — first international giveaway
Thirteen pairs of Tefillin delivered to a community of converts in El Salvador, May 2024. El Salvador — thirteen pairs delivered

May 2024

A giveaway to a community of converts in El Salvador. Thirteen pairs delivered.

September 2024

Eighty six pairs raised in our first crowdfunding campaign, in memory of Yosef ben Mendel HaLevi.

The first crowdfunding campaign, which raised eighty six pairs in memory of Yosef ben Mendel HaLevi, September 2024. First crowdfunding campaign — eighty six pairs
Triple giveaway in Toronto to Ben, Tyler and Zach, January 2025. Triple Giveaway in Toronto to Ben, Tyler & Zach.

January 2025

Our 100th giveaway to Ben with Ohr Somayach Toronto

September 2025

Our 200th giveaway, in San Francisco. One hundred pairs given in eight months.

The project's 200th giveaway, in San Francisco, September 2025. San Francisco — the 200th giveaway
The launch of the We Wrappers app, February 2026. We Wrappers — the app launch

February 2026

Launch of the We Wrappers app.

COMING SOON

Launch of the 30 Day Tefillin Journey