On Tefillin

Rabbi Boaz Mori just shared this thought with me, from the Moaznayim LeTorah. Why did the Kohein Gadol wear two pieces that seemed to have the same point? Both the Tzitz, worn on his forehead, and the Urim VeTumim, worn on his chest? He says that the kohein needed to internalize his connection to G-d. This was represented and also actually achieved through the Urim Vetumim, which rested on his heart. He then needed, and was able to, spread the glory of G-d to others, which was represented and brought about through the Tzitz, with the name of G-d, displayed on his head for all to see.

Why do we need to wear Tefillin, the seemingly same box and contents, on our hand and also on our head? This can be answered by comparing the Tefillin we wear with the garments that adorned the Kohein Gadol as we explained them above. The Tefillin Shel Yad are worn in a private way, facing our heart, covered by our sleeve. The Tefillin Shel Rosh are placed on the top of our head. First we take in our personal connection with G-d, and then we share it with the world. In two places the Gemorah in Brachot applies to Tefillin Shel Rosh the verse in the Torah which states that people in the world will be in awe when they see us. The Tefillin Shel Rosh represent and actualize our purpose of bringing the people of the world world closer to G-d.