On Which Side of the Bag Should the Tefillin Shel Yad Be Placed?

Shalom,

The tefillin shel yad should be placed on the left side of the bag.

Sources: The Mishna Berura (Siman 28, Sif 7) cites the Shulchan Shelomo, which states that it is preferable for the tefillin shel yad to be on the right side of the bag. However, the Aruch Hashulchan (Siman 25, Sif 19 and Siman 28, Sif 8) wrote that our custom is to place the shel rosh on the right and the shel yad on the left, so that one does not accidentally touch the shel rosh first and transgress a mitzvah. The Admor of Monketsh zt"l also wrote this in his book, Ot Chaim V'Shalom (Siman 28, Ot 3). Additionally, see Likutei Maharich (Laws of Removing Tefillin, d.h. and see Magen Avraham) who wrote that it is customary to place the shel rosh on the right side of the pocket. This is also noted in the Siddur of Rabbi Kapil. The reason seems to be due to its importance.

Blessings,

Hillel Meirs