What Were Ancient Tefillin Actually Made From?

Most people assume ancient tefillin were made from goat leather because goats were common in the ancient Levant. But a 2021 study using FTIR spectroscopy on 2,000-year-old samples from the Qumran caves tells a different story. This episode explores the actual materials science behind tefillin: why calfskin outperforms goat leather for preserving parchment scrolls, how modern batim are graded from gassot to peshutim, and what the Talmud actually says about acceptable hides. If you've ever wondered about the practical craftsmanship behind these ritual objects, this one's for you.