Z(a)razta, traditionally translated '
phylactery', denotes a written text of protective magic quality.
The two scrolls found inside the
phylactery case were originally discovered in 1952, but had apparently never been investigated.
The case worn on the head contains four scrolls in individual compartments, while the arm
phylactery holds one scroll.
(13.) Phylacteries are small black leather boxes containing parchment inscribed with Torah verses, and
phylactery straps (like those depicted) are used to strap the boxes to the upper arm and forehead of observant Jewish males during morning prayers.
A
phylactery bag was found in the loader's compartment.
And black calfskin-encased
phylactery prayer boxes were now fastened by leather thongs to his forehead as well as woven around his left arm and hand; the box at his scalp had a tiny trickle of smoke that smelled of fired tobacco leaves seeping from its base where it touched his skin, rising to the fluorescent-lighted ceiling of the banquet hall.
Since the forehead is seen as the site of one's intellect and capacity for understanding, it is where the
phylactery of the head is to be worn.
The volume includes a small number of black and white photographs and contains a glossary of relevant unusual terms such as lianhuanua and
phylactery.