From the Rav’s Desk: With which Tefillin should the Bris be performed, Rashi or Rabbeinu Tam?

1. Question: [Thursday, 6^th Iyar, 5783]

I am the Mohel for a Bris which will take place immediately after Shacharis. I would like to know which Tefillin the Kehal and Sandek/father should wear for the Bris. Rashi or Rabbeinu Tam?

Answer:

Unless there is a known community custom to do otherwise, the congregation and Sandek/father should remain wearing Tefillin of Rashi. However, some have the custom to wear Rabbeinu Tam, and some have the custom to remove the Tefillin all-together.

Explanation:

It is ruled in Admur and other Achronim that on a day that a Bris Milah is taking place the Tefillin are not to be removed until after the Milah as both the Tefillin and Mila are called an Os.  Now regarding which Tefillin to wear, so seemingly, the intent of the above Halacha is regarding Tefillin of Rashi, just as all the other Halachos prior to this one relating to when to remove the Tefillin refer to Rashi. Nevertheless, some are accustomed to have the Bris done with Tefillin of Rabbeinu Tam, and others are particular to actually rempove the Tefillin, unlike the above ruling.

Sources: See Otzer Habris 3:8-4; Pesakim Uteshuvos 265:46; See regarding the general requirement to not remove the Tefillin until after the Bris: Admur 25:38; M”A 25:28; Shach Y.D. end of 265:24; Kitzur SHU”A 10:19; Od Yosef Chaiy Chayeh Sarah 1; Kaf Hachaim 25:92; Os Chaim Vehsalom 25:18; Beir Moshe 8:55; See Levush 29; P”M 31 M”Z 1; Igros Moshe 4:101; Piskeiy Teshuvos 25:29 footnote 221