Can an item be downgraded to a lower level of kedusha?


As a rule, an object which was designated for a higher level of kedusha may not be used for a matter of lower sanctity. An item that was used for a lower level, however, may be repurposed for a higher level. Therefore, anything which was used as a part of the shel rosh cannot be used for the shel yad. Even in a case where an item can no longer serve the higher purpose, it should not be used for the lower matter. Instead, it should be put into genizah (burial).  

סעיף א, ס"ק ג, וביה"ל ד"ה אסור וד"ה מהם



Can a tefillin bag be reused for a mundane purpose?

The abovementioned rule--known as ma’alin b’kodesh v’ein moridin--applies to items of kedusha (e.g. tefillin) as well as tashmishei kedusha (e.g. tefillin case). The categories of kedusha and tashmishei kedusha have slightly different halachic implications, though. Before an item of kedusha is actually used, it is permissible to redesignate it for a lower kedusha purpose but it may not be used for a mundane matter. In constrast, tashmishei kedusha which have not yet been used may be repurposed for a mundane matter.

ס"ק ב וביה"ל ד"ה משל; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 2



Can parts of the shel rosh be repurposed for the shel yad?


The shel rosh has more kedusha than the shel yad, since more of the name of Hashem is found in the shel rosh. The shin is imprinted on the bayis of the shel rosh, and the kesher of the shel rosh is shaped like a daled. Only the yud is found on the kesher of the shel yad. For this reason, anything which was used as a part of the shel rosh cannot be repurposed for the shel yad.

[סעיף א וס"ק ב-ד
  • It is forbidden to carry or balance any object on one’s head while wearing tefillin shel rosh. Objects which belong on the head, such as a yarmulka or hat, may be worn while the tefillin are in place.

  • Some poskim allow carrying a load on one’s head if it does not touch the tefillin. Others are stringent. If, however, the tefillin are covered, both opinions are lenient.

  • When one is wearing tefillin shel yad, he may carry a load that weighs less than four kavin, since the shel yad is usually covered.


  • Can a nametag be placed in a tefillin bag?



  • Can one use a tallis bag to carry other items?



  • Can a case that was used for tefillin be repurposed?
PLEASE NOTE: The information in this email is for learning purposes only. Please review the Mishna Berura and Biurim U'Musafim before making a halachic decision. Hebrew words are occasionally transliterated to enable a smoother reading of the text. Common Ashkenazi pronunciation is generally used in these cases.
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