View source for Taking Three Steps Back

==Before [[Shmoneh Esrei]]==

#It’s proper to take three steps forward before [[Shmoneh Esrei]] to show that one is going to do an obligatory mitzvah. The halacha doesn’t require taking three steps back, but there is a widespread [[minhag]] to take three steps back in order to take three steps forward.<ref>Rama 95:1, Mishna Brurah 95:3, Piskei Teshuvot 95:3 </ref>
#If a person is taking his 3 steps back in order to take 3 steps forward and someone is davening within 4 [[amot]], he should not take these steps back at all and just start [[Shmoneh Esrei]].<ref>Halichot Shlomo 8:33, Piskei Teshuvot 95:5 </ref> See the [[Walking in Front of Someone Davening]] topic.
#Some have the custom of saying "''ki shem Hashem ekra havu godel lelokeinu''" before the [[Shmoneh Esrei]] of [[Mincha]] or [[Mussaf]]. If one forgot it and already began "''Hashem sfatai tiftach''" he does not go back to say that pasuk.<ref>Sefer Meorer Yeshainim 24, Piskei Tshuvos 111:2 </ref>

==After [[Shmoneh Esrei]]==
#After [[Shemonei Esrei]], one should make take three steps backwards while bowing like a servant parting from his master. If one didn't do so, it is as if one didn't pray.<ref>Gemara Yoma 53b, Tur 123:1, Kaf HaChaim 123:1</ref>
#There’s an absolute obligation to take 3 steps back after [[Shmoneh Esrei]] and wait there until the Sheliach Tzibbur gets up to [[Kedusha]] or at least starts [[Chazarat HaShas]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 123:2. Mishna Brurah 123:8 writes that one should not rush taking these the steps forward because in doing so one will lose the mitzvah of waiting in the place one took three steps back.</ref> An individual who finishes [[Shmoneh Esrei]] should take take three steps back and wait there the time it takes for the Sheliach 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.<ref>Mishna Brurah 123:11 </ref>
#One should start stepping backwards with left foot, stepping exactly behind the right foot, and then the same with right leg. By the third step one should align both feet.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 123:3</ref>

==Sources==
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