## Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Weekdays, Tefillin

###### Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Weekdays, Tefillin 1
[Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Weekdays, Tefillin 1](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Rabbi%20Sacks%20on%20Siddur/s/Weekdays,_Tefillin/r/1)

**English Edition; Koren Publishers Jerusalem, 2017:**
*Tefillin:* The word tefillin (called *totafot* in the Torah) means “emblem, sign, insignia,” the visible symbol of an abstract idea. Tefillin are our reminder of the commandment of the Shema: “Love the LORD your God your with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:5). *All your heart:* this is the tefillin on the upper arm opposite the heart. *All your soul:* this is the head-tefillin opposite the seat of consciousness, the soul. *All your might:* this is the strap of the hand-tefillin, symbolizing action, power, might. Tefillin thus symbolize the love for God in emotion (heart), thought (head) and deed (hand).


###### Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Weekdays, Tefillin 13
[Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Weekdays, Tefillin 13](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Rabbi%20Sacks%20on%20Siddur/s/Weekdays,_Tefillin/r/13)

**English Edition; Koren Publishers Jerusalem, 2017:**
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ *I will betroth you to Me:* These exquisite lines from the book of Hosea speak of God’s covenant with Israel as a marriage – a mutual pledge of faith, born of love. Wrapping the strap of the hand-tefillin around the middle finger like a wedding ring, we remind ourselves of God’s love for Israel, and Israel’s love for God.