Q: What is the program about?

The “Build a Pair” Program is a fun, but comprehensive learning program that introduces 5th and 6th graders to the joy and mitzvah of Tefillin in Jewish life. The “Build A Pair” Program has everything needed for education and construction, including 2 Videos on DVD, one for teaching and one for construction.
Three components interplay to explore the religious significance, the construction, and the practice of “laying” Tefillin. Students first practice writing their names and the Shema in Hebrew, insert them into pre-made wooden Tefillin-like boxes. Next, they decorate the boxes in any creative way the wish, allowing for personal expression. Finally, they either compete or cooperate in writing a “wRAP” song to sing at the “World Wide Wrap”, an FJMC-sponsored event held annually on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday. This program reintroduces Jewish men to the significance of “laying” Tefillin. The Build a Pair Program attracts family members to the World Wide Wrap program, introduces them to the mitzvah, and allows them to see their children Wrap Tefillin and sing their “wRAP' song.

Q: Are the Build A Pair tefillin real?

NO, the “Model” wooden tefillin that the students create are simply a means to enhance the students' interest. The project will hopefully make them more excited about learning the significance of tefillin and how they are created. Many students go on to look forward to the opportunity to have REAL Tefillin.

Q: Should family members assist in the Build A Pair project ? is the program only on the morning of the World Wide Wrap?

The preference is that students participate in the Build A Pair education and construction program for several weeks before the World Wide Wrap. This allows any student who may have missed a class to still have an opportunity to construct their “model” tefillin and participate in the program. Additionally, and more significantly, the students create and practice singing a “wRAP” song to perform at the World Wide Wrap. This attracts the family members to come and participate, learn about tefillin, lay tefillin themselves, and enhance the World Wide Wrap. Certainly, if family members participate in the Build A Pair project with the students, they would also learn about the construction and religious significance of tefillin. Normally, we have several Men's Club members assisting students during the construction phase, particularly in the gluing process and in the tying of the knots.

Q: Is the World Wide Wrap followed by the shacharit service?

We generally run a modified service (packaged with the Build A Pair program), which includes primarily those parts of the service referencing tefillin. Also included is also a modified Shacharit service that discusses both the tallis and tefillin and their role in the service. The service typically takes only 20-30 minutes. These modified services were developed by Rabbi Alex Greenbaum from Beth El Congregation of the South Hills in Pittsburgh.

Q: What might we include in our World Wide Wrap program?

The World Wide Wrap program at our synagogue also includes:
• Showing the FJMC video “Ties That Bind”
• A short discussion by the Rabbi
• A demonstration of how to wrap tefillin as everyone puts on their tefillin
• One of the modified Shacharit services
• The students singing their “wRAP songs”
Included with the Build A Pair program CD is a complete World Wide Wrap program previously decorated with a Gold Torch Award from FJMC.

Q: How long does it take to do the Build A Pair project?

The length of time that it takes to do the Build A Pair project is highly dependent upon how prepared and organized the adults running the program are. Ideally, both the educational portion (a 30 minute educational video or a written program with pictures) and the construction portion can be performed in less than 2 ? hours (1 Day Learn and Build included) with a group of 20 or fewer students. This assumes that there are enough adults to help with the glue up and knot tying, and that the students are sufficiently focused. Decorating the “model” tefillin can either be done at home or in a subsequent session. The level of decoration can be very simple or very ornate. Certainly, additional educational opportunities exist if more time is available.

Q: What problems might we run into when running the program?

Designating adequate time within the religious school schedule is always a challenge. It is, therefore, extremely important to consult your religious school director either prior to, or early in, the school year. Adequate preparation by the adults, who must fully understand what will be done during the construction phase, is a key to completing the program in a designated timeframe. Tying the knots, so that the tefillin boxes do not slip down over the students' faces, takes some practice. Tying the loop knot for the arm box on the proper side of the box, so that the tefillin boxes do not slip down the students' arms, should be another focus. Also, if decorating the tefillin with paint, adequate drying time must be allotted before putting in the ribbons.

Q: Who is the expert that I might ask any further questions?

Contact us at buildapair.fjmc@gmail.com and we will answer you promptly.
The Build A Pair kid's video is also there for your enjoyment and will give you some ideas in completing the construction of your Build A Pair tefillin. The video is also great to show to students before they begin. It has some good music, which gets them excited about participating and it gives them some idea about what they will be doing for the next several hours. A standard DVD disc with the video is included with the Build A Pair kit.
Here are the videos!

Q: What other ways can I order Build A Pair kits?

1. Online, here: http://www.fjmc.org/Store/Tefillin.aspx
2. Mail in an order form (we can email it to you- buildapair.fjmc@gmail.com) with a check and your Kit(s) will be on its way - Pronto!
3. Go online to the FJMC Tefillin Store - scroll to the bottom, and place your order. You can use a Credit Card.

Dr. Ira Ungar, BUILD A PAIR