Cover Tefillin on Arm
Question : Is it important to cover the tefillin shel yad with one's sleeve? Answer: The Gemara (Menachos 3b) teaches us, based on the Passuk (Shemos 13:9) “ vehoyu lecha leois (it shall be a sign for you),” that the tefillin shel yad should be placed on the upper arm, which is typically covered, as opposed to the hand which is usually exposed. The Rema (OC 27:11) writes that one does not need to be overly particular about covering the tefillin shel yad. However, the Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 27:8) states that if one has a bandage on their arm and must wear their tefillin over it, they should cover their tefillin . The Elya Rabba (27:17) cites the Levush who asserts that the tefillin shel yad should be covered regardless. He questions why the Rema does not require this, especially since the Gemara implies its necessity. Thus, the Mishna Berura (27:47) notes a preference for covering. The Shaarei Teshuva (27:17) cites the Chida (Birkei Yosef OC 27:5), who writes that ther...