Hair Transplant for Men and Tefillin
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Question
Hello, I was offered to treat baldness through hair transplantation. I asked about tefillin, and they told me that this is done right before the holiday. But there is one day (this year it falls on the Friday before Passover) which is the day after the hair transplant, where there is a problem placing tefillin on the transplant site, and they suggested placing only the box without the straps (which are made of leather and there is an issue placing them on the fresh transplant site), held in hand. Is it appropriate to do so, or is it better to forgo the hair transplant, or is there another solution (perhaps placing with straps over a bandage that will be placed on the head or any other solution), or is it better not to do a hair transplant at all? Thank you in advance!
Answer
Hello
It is not permissible to hold the straps in hand, nor to place anything that would separate between the strap and the head.
According to the instructions of our Rabbi, shlita, on this matter, one should place the tefillin for a moment as required, and immediately remove it.
Based on what has been clarified, there is no medical issue with this.
[You may personally consult the medical institution where you plan to have the transplant].
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 27, סעיף 4
There should be something that separates between the tefillin and the flesh, whether it concerns the hand or the head. Note: This applies only to the tefillin, but one should not be concerned about the straps.
Mishna Berura, Siman 27, סעיף קטן 16
(16) One should not be concerned - and the later authorities wrote that one should not be lenient except in the place of the wrapping, but regarding the tying, one should be stringent even with the straps, both on the hand and on the head, and they wrote an open rebuke to those who place tefillin on a wig called a paruka, even if only the strap lies on the wig. However, from the words of the MA and HA, it appears that if he has a wound on his head, and only in the place where the straps lie and not in the place of the box, he is permitted to place the straps on rags that are on the wound, or on a thin cap and bless, even though there is a separation between the straps, since in the place of the box there is no separation, and also on the hand, if he has a wound even in the place of the wrapping around his hand, he is permitted to place the wrapping on rags and bless, but in this case, he should cover from above so that it will be a sign for you and not for others.