Halacha Corner – Removing Tefillin Before Musaf
Question: Why do we remove the tefillin before Musaf on Rosh Chodesh?
Answer: Those who pray with the Edot HaMizrach (Sephardic) or Chassidic nusach (rite) say during the Kedushah of Musaf the phrase “Keter yitnu lecha” (“A crown is given to you”). It is not fitting to be “crowned” with tefillin at that moment, and therefore the custom is to remove the tefillin before Musaf. Even those who pray according to the Ashkenaz rite, who do not say “Keter”, have adopted this practice, as well as individuals praying alone, since the time of Musaf is associated with the concept of “Keter” (crown).
The Levush explains that during Musaf, Rosh Chodesh is like Chol HaMoed, on which—according to the Zohar—tefillin are not worn, just as on Shabbat and Festivals. Some remove them before Kaddish, and others afterward.
One should be careful not to remove the tefillin shel rosh (head tefillin) in front of the Torah scroll, as that is disrespectful to the Torah scroll. Instead, they should turn their face to the side or cover themselves with the tallit. One should not remove or fold the tefillin during the recitation of Kaddish (though after “de’amiran be’alma” one can be lenient). If one is pressed, one may remove the tefillin during the chazzan’s repetition of the Amidah, but should not fold them then. Certainly, one should not put on tefillin during the repetition. If one hears “Keter” while still wearing tefillin, he should cover the tefillin shel rosh with his tallit or hat (if possible) and respond as usual.
translated and adapted from Sichat HaShevua
