Q&A: Putting on Tefillin for Someone Who Does Not Believe
Putting on Tefillin for Someone Who Does Not Believe
Question
Rabbi Michi, hello,
Regarding putting on tefillin for someone who does not believe, etc.
Seemingly there is benefit in it according to Rabbi Kook in Orot HaTeshuvah:
1.Orot HaTeshuvah / Chapter 2 – Sudden Repentance and Gradual Repentance
As for its duration, repentance is divided into two parts: sudden repentance and gradual repentance. The sudden kind comes from some spiritual flash that enters the soul; all at once a person recognizes the evil and ugliness of sin and becomes a different person, and already feels within himself a complete change for the good. This repentance comes through some revelation of an inner quality, through some great spiritual influence, whose paths should be sought in the depths of mystery. And there is gradual repentance. No flash blazes within him to turn from the depths of evil to good; rather, he feels that he must keep improving his ways and the course of his life,
With the respect due
Answer
I didn’t say that there is no benefit in it, only that it is not a commandment. As for the benefit, that is open to discussion, and everything depends on the particular case and the circumstances.
Discussion on Answer
Absolutely, except that an atheist does not violate the prohibition of a blessing in vain; just as he has no commandments, he also has no transgressions.
Is the blessing a blessing in vain?