Taking Three Steps Back

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Before Shemona Esreh

  1. It’s proper to take three steps forward before Shemona Esreh to show that one is going to do an obligatory mitzvah. The halacha doesn’t require taking three steps back, but the minhag haOlam is to take three steps back in order to take three steps forward. [1]
  2. If taking 3 steps back in order to take 3 steps back involves waling into the 4 amot of someone Davening, don’t take these steps back at all and just start Shemona Esreh. [2]

After Shemona Esreh

  1. There’s an absoloute obligation to take 3 steps back after Shemona Esreh and wiat there until the Sheliach Tzibbur gets to Kedusha or at least starts Chazarat HaShas. [3] An individual who finishes Shemona Esreh should take take three steps back anf wait there the time it takes for the שליח Tzibbur to reach Kedusha or in extenuating circumstances at least the time it takes to walk 4 amot (3 seconds or so). If one doesn’t wait after taking the 3 steps back it appears that one didn’t take the 3 steps back really in order to depart from Hashem respectfully. [4]
  2. It’s proper to take three steps forward only after waiting the proper time (subsequent to taking three steps back). [5]

References

  1. Rama 95:1, Mishna Brurah 95:3, Piskei Teshuvot 95:3
  2. Halichot Shlomo 8:33, Piskei Teshuvot 95:5
  3. S”A 123:2
  4. Mishna Brurah 123:11
  5. S”A 123:2, Mishna Brurah 123:8 writes that one should rush taking these the steps forward because in doing so one will loose the actual law regarding waiting in the place one took three steps back.