Tefillin are a set of small black leather boxes containing Torah scrolls with specific verses (e.g., Shema) written on parchment.  They are worn during weekday morning prayers by Jewish men who are of bar mitzvah age or older.  

Steps for Wrapping Tefillin

1.  Prepare the Tefillin:

• There are two tefillin:  Tefillin shel Yad (for the arm and Tefillin shel Rosh (for the head).  Begin with the arm tefillin

2.  Wrap the Arm Tefillin (Tefillin shel Yad):

• Place the tefilln box on your weaker arm (left arm for right-handed people, and right arm for left-handed people).  The box should rest on the bicep, angled toward the heart.  
• Recite the blessing:

"Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu L'haniach Tefillin"

Translation:  "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to put on tefillin,"

• Wrap the strap around your upper arm to secure the box, then wind it seven times around your forearm (below the elbow).  Do not wrap the fingers yet.

3.  Place the Head Tefillin (Tefillin shel Rosh):

• Position the head tefillin ox on your head, so it rests just above your hairline in the center.  The knot on the strap should sit at the base of your skull. 
• Recite the second blessing

"Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Asher Kid'shanu B'mitzvotav V'tzivanu Al Mitzvot Tefillin."

Translation:  "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of tefillin."

• If you forgot to say the blessing, you can recite it later.  

4.  Wrap the Hand and Fingers:

• Return to the arm tefillin strap and wrap it around your hand and fingers to form the letters shin, dalet, and yud - representing "Shaddai," one of G-d's names.  
• This is done differently depending on the custom.  
• Ashkenazi tradition:  Wrap around the middle finger (three loops) and finish by securing the strap around the palm.  
• Sephardi tradition:  Similar, but specific variations in the wrapping style exist.  

5.  Conclude with Prayers:

• Recite the "Shema" prayer, focusing on the oneness of G-d and the significance of the tefillin.  

Who is allowed to wear tefillin?

• Men:  Traditionally, Jewish men from the age of 13 and up are obligated to wear tefillin during weekday morning (Shacharit) prayers.
• Spiritual Readiness:  The individual should understand the mitzvah, approach it with respect and purity (e.g., clean hands and maintaining focus), and ideally have basic knowledge of the prayers associated with tefillin. 

Spiritual Significance of Tefillin

1.  Connection to G-d:

Tefillin represent a physical and spiritual connection to G-d.  By binding the tefillin on the arm (near the heart) and the head (near the mind), a person dedicates their emotions and intellect to divine service. 

2.  Symbol of Unity:

The Shema, recited while wearing tefillin, proclaims G-d's oneness, symbolizing the unity of body, soul, and G-d. 

3.  Reminder of the Exodus:  

The verses contained in the tefillin boxes remind Jews of their liberation from Egypt, emphasizing the bond between G-d and the Jewish people.  

4:  Spiritual Protection:

According to mystical teachings, tefillin create a shield of holiness around the person wearing them, helping them stay focused on their higher purpose.  

5.  Symbol of Covenant:

Tefillin are a sign of the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people, representing commitment to Torah and mitzvot.  

Additional Notes

• Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat or Jewish holidays, as these days are considered "signs" and do not require the additional sign of tefillin.  
• They should be treated with great respect, kept in a protective bag, and checked regularly by a scribe to ensure their kosher status.