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Tefillin that fell inside their case

Question:

A pair of (special) Tefillin that were wrapped in their plastic cases inside their pouch, which was inside a larger pouch which altogether was inside a carrying case (kis toch kis toch kis) fell out of the wearer’s hand (Ouch!) to the pavement a distance of approx. 3.5-4 feet. What’s the din of the Tefillin? What’s the din by the wearer? Fasting? How much? 2 days, 3 days, etc… Tzedaka ? Thank you.

Answer:

The answer will depend on what you mean by “carrying case”.  If the carrying case is the normal place that the teffilin are kept, like “tikfillin”, which is place to keep teffilin with a handle in order to transport the teffilin easier, then all of the coverings are the teffilin coverings and are all considered one big cover. If ones teffilin fall on the floor and they are covered there is no need to fast. Regarding giving tzedakah, according to numerous poskim one should give some tzedakah.

If however, the carrying case was not the normal place that the teffilin stay, or even if one keeps their teffilin inside thier teffilin bag, and that bag is always kept inside a little suitcase etc., then there is no need to do anything for kapara, (it would be a good idea to daven that it shouldn’t happen again). This is because the teffilin were in a kis b’toch kis, and there is no need for any kapara. 

Sources:

Piskei Teshuvos 40-2, ftnt 11, Aruch Hashulchan 42-3.

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