1) When introducing the obligation of tefillin, the Torah first mentions the shel yad (וקשרתם לאות על ידיך) and only then speaks of the shel rosh (והיו לטוטפות בין עיניך), thus indicating that one should put on the shel yad before donning the shel rosh. Before tying the shel yad to one’s arm, he recites the berachah ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וצונו להניח תפילין . After placing the tefillin shel yad, one puts on the tefillin shel rosh without reciting any berachah.[46]

2) The widespread practice among Sepharadim is to sit while putting on the tefillin shel yad, in accordance with Kabbalistic teaching. The berachah is likewise recited while sitting.[47]

3) After one recites a berachah before performing a mitzvah, he must immediately perform the mitzvah, without any delay or interruption. Therefore, one should first position the tefillin shel yad on the proper spot on the arm, recite the berachah, and then immediately fasten the tefillin to his arm with its strap.[48]

a. Nevertheless, if one mistakenly recited the berachah before he placed the tefillin on his arm, he has fulfilled his requirement and does not repeat the berachah.[49]

b. If one did not recite the berachah when he put on the tefillin, he may recite it thereafter, so long as he has yet to remove his tefillin. In such a case, he should feel the tefillin shel yad and then recite the berachah.[50]

4) When reciting the words “להניח תפילין” one should stress the lamed in the word “tefillin,” and should not stress the nun in the word “le’haniah.” (The nun in le’hani’ah is stressed only when it is used to mean “leave” or “abandon,” as opposed to its meaning here, “to place.”)[51]

5) According to many authorities, one is not required to wash his hands if he touched the skin of his upper arm while donning the tefillin shel yad, as this part of the body is normally uncovered. Likewise, if one touched his hair while laying the tefillin shel rosh, he does not need to wash his hands.[52]

6) Some people have the practice to cover their arm while putting on the tefillin shel yad, as the Torah indicates that the shel yad should be placed in a private, concealed fashion — “It shall be for you as a sign upon your arm” (Shemot 13:9). Those who follow this custom ensure to cover their arms even when laying tefillin in a dark, empty room in the privacy of their homes.[53]

7) Strictly speaking, the tefillin shel yad need not be covered after it is placed on the arm, though it is preferable to do so.[54]