6152 -That Flat Strap?
Q. Dear Rabbi, I have an interesting shaila. I recently purchased new retzuos for my tefillin and as one would expect, the leather is quite stiff and the edges are sharp against my arm. Is it permissible to use sandpaper or a file to smooth out these straps. Clearly this would need to be done from the backside and not from the top that's been painted black. Just to soften the leather especially where it comes into contact with my skin.
Thank you very much in advance for your help and advice in relation to this matter!
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that the above situation is most unusual and an expert sofer should be consulted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a
Reviewed by: Hagaon Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Published: October 30, 2026