Is it permitted to convert head tefillin (shel rosh) into hand tefillin (shel yad)?
Synopsis
The Mechaber forbids converting head tefillin into hand tefillin because head tefillin have a higher sanctity (the Shin and Dalet of Shaddai appear on them), and one may not downgrade from a stricter to a lighter sanctity. Converting hand to head tefillin is permitted since that is an elevation in sanctity.
More in Converting Tefillin and Sanctifying Accessories
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Discussion
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