Question:
Why is it Chabad custom to leave space between the third and fourth tefillin "wrap" around the arm?
Answer:
The first three coils correspond to the three letters of the divine name ש-ד-י (Shaddai). The latter four coils correspond to the four letters of the divine name י-ה-ו-ה (the Tetragrammaton). Because these two groups of coils represent two different names, it is appropriate to leave a little space between them. The amount of space you should leave is not specified anywhere—just leave enough space so that the break will be noticeable.
Rabbi Eliezer Posner
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