The Torah mentions the Misva of Tefillin eight times , and Rambam rules that one who regularly neglects this Misva violates all eight mentions. This makes Tefillin one of the most serious daily obligations. A natural question arises: What if a person cannot afford Tefillin? Is he required to beg or sell his belongings to fulfill the Misva? Is There a Financial Obligation to Purchase Tefillin at All Costs? Surprisingly, Halacha does not require a person to beg, knock on doors, or sell his clothing in order to buy Tefillin. This contrasts sharply with other Misvot: For Shabbat candles , Halacha states one should sell the shirt off his back. For the four cups of wine on Pesa ḥ , one must do the same. Why, then, is Tefillin different? The A ḥ aronim address this inconsistency. Some suggest the distinction lies in the preparation of the Misva versus its fulfillment . When it comes to creating or purchasing Tefillin, one is not required to go to extreme measures . But when it comes to fulfilling the Misva—actually wearing Tefillin—a person must make great efforts , even if not to the level of begging or selling his shirt. Borrowing Tefillin When One Cannot Buy Them Although one is not obligated to beg or sell belongings, Halacha still expects a person to do everything reasonably possible to fulfill the Misva, including: Borrowing Tefillin from a friend Asking family or community members to help buy him a pair However, borrowing Tefillin is not always a simple solution : Proper fit matters , especially for the head Tefillin (Shel Rosh). If the fit is incorrect, one may not fulfill the Misva properly . Right-handed and left-handed Tefillin are different . Borrowed Tefillin might be unusable if the sides don't match. The knots often require adjustment , and people are either unable or too lazy to adjust and then return them properly. This can result in a misplacement or a Beracha Levatala (a blessing in vain). Due to these complications, many rabbis—especially the Mishnah Berura , Ḥ acham Ovadia Yosef , and Rav Moshe Feinstein —strongly encourage even poor individuals to ask for help or borrow properly rather than excuse themselves from the Misva. The Bait Ḥ adash further warns against those who habitually rely on borrowed Tefillin. He criticizes those who wouldn't borrow a toothbrush or shoes , yet treat Tefillin as communal property. This attitude reflects a lack of personal responsibility for one of the Torah's most central obligations. Summary Tefillin is a daily Misva of great seriousness , mentioned eight times in the Torah. One is not required to beg or sell basic clothing to fulfill it—but should do everything else possible . This includes borrowing Tefillin or asking others to help purchase a pair. Long-term reliance on borrowed Tefillin is discouraged due to concerns of improper fit, invalid usage, and lack of commitment. Each Jew should ultimately own his own Tefillin and treat them as essential—just as he would his clothing or daily necessities.