574. If You Come - 2

“And all the peoples of the earth shall see that the name of the Lord is called upon you and they shall fear you” (Deuteronomy 28:10). “Shall see … The great Rabbi Eliezer says, ‘These are the head Tefillin [phylacteries],’” and the Tosfot interpreted that since there is the majority of the name Shadai in them, Shin in the boxes and Dalet in the straps (Berachot 4, 6a), meaning that “And saw that the name of the Lord” refers to the head Tefillin, where the majority of the name Shadai is visible.

The Tosfot asks a question (Shabbat [Sabbath] 28), as was said there, from what is permitted in your mouth and does not elicit straps. Also, in the Megillah (26), it calls the straps mere instruments of Kedusha [holiness], implying that the Dalet in the straps is not regarded as an integral part of the head Tefillin.

Thus, what is the meaning of the verse, “And saw,” which pertains to the head Tefillin? He also gives a reason, that it is at the height of the head and is visible, for “and saw” pertains to it, while the hand Tefillin are covered, as it is written, “for you,” as a token on your hand and not for others.

We should ask why the hand Tefillin should be covered and that of the head should not. From Baal HaSulam—the head Tefillin is regarded as Torah, and the hand Tefillin is regarded as faith.