Writing on t'filin straps

Question

Is there any problem with having stray marks or writing on the underside of a t'filin strap?

If it is in a non-essential location (such as down at the end of a long strap) is it preferable to cut it off than to leave it on?

Answer 1

Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 33:3) states that the undersides can be any color (except red). The Sefardic custom that Isaac mentioned stems from the Rambam (Hil. Tefillin 3:14), who says that preferably they should be black on both sides; but Mishnah Berurah (33:21) states that Ashkenazim don't follow the Rambam in this regard.

All in all, though, it would seem that some writing - especially if it's on the "non-essential" parts of the straps - shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 2

A couple of years ago, I took my Tefillin to a sofer and he gave me new straps for my Tefillin Shel Rosh. They were the type that's black on both sides. So if it can be completely black on both sides, what are a couple of marks?

Additionally I know we have a halacha that they must be black, but who said the underside must be a specific color?

So it would seem it's fine, but I'm just basing it on the above...

Answer 3

In practical halacha, neither Ashkenazim or Sephardim follow the opinion of the Rambam that the back side should be black. 9Of course there have always been some individuals who were strict about this. As Dave mentioned, the primary purpose of the all black straps is that they are black through and trough and hence, one never has to worry about the retzua losing any blackness.

There is a difference between color on the back side and writing. Writing on any part of the tefillin should be limited to what and where halacha says there should be writing. It is preferable for there not to be any writing on the back of the retzuos. Hence once should find some other means for identification, without writing on the bottom of the batim or reztuos.