The Relationship between the Body and the Soul By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

So too is the relationship between the neshamah and the guf of Klal Yisroel. Every mitzvah that the neshamah wants to perform is controlled by the guf. The hands have to take action in order to wear the tefillin and to light Shabbos candles; the feet have to take the steps in order to go to bais medrash. If the physical body consents to the will and the bidding of the person’s neshamah then he can fulfill the mitzvah. However, if the guf does not cooperate, the neshamah will not enjoy any benefit.