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Prayer · Orach Chaim 123

Priestly Blessing

17 questions · 44 opinions

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Should one bow and step back three steps after Shemoneh Esrei in a single bow, or in multiple bows?

1 opinions

Number and Sequence of Bows

During the three steps, when should one turn one's head toward the left and right?

2 opinions across 2 eras

Head Turning During Steps

Should one remain standing in place after taking the three steps back, or may one return to one's original position immediately?

6 opinions across 2 eras

Timing of Return to Position

When stepping backward, which foot should one move first—the right or the left?

4 opinions across 2 eras

Order of Foot Movement

What is the minimum distance one must cover with each of the three steps backward?

3 opinions across 2 eras

Step Size and Distance

Is it prohibited to take more than three steps backward?

3 opinions across 2 eras

Maximum Number of Steps

Must the prayer leader take three steps backward when he prays quietly, and must he repeat the steps when he repeats the prayer aloud?

4 opinions

During Quiet and Loud Repeti…

When the prayer leader repeats the Shemoneh Esrei aloud, should he recite the verse 'Hashem, s'fatai tiftach' (Open my lips, O Lord)?

2 opinions

Hashem S'fatai Tiftach

Should the prayer leader say 'Yihiyu l'ratzon' (May these words be accepted) at the end of the loud repetition of Shemoneh Esrei?

3 opinions across 2 eras

Yihiyu L'ratzon

May an individual who finishes Shemoneh Esrei before the prayer leader turn to face the congregation?

3 opinions across 2 eras

Turning Face Toward Congrega…

What is the proper practice regarding when a lone individual should return to their original place after taking the three steps backward?

3 opinions

Timing of Return to Place

Should one wait a certain time before reciting the supplications (Tachanun) after taking the three steps back?

2 opinions across 2 eras

Timing of Tachanun

How should one arrange the three steps physically—in what sequence should the feet move?

3 opinions

Detailed Foot Sequence

If someone stands directly behind a person taking the three steps backward, should the person stepping avoid taking steps if it would interfere with the person behind them?

2 opinions across 2 eras

Space and Interference

May someone take the three steps backward to the side rather than directly backward, if space is constrained behind them?

1 opinions

Direction of Steps

Should one keep one's feet together while standing in the place where the three steps conclude?

1 opinions

Should one stand or sit when saying Tachanun (supplications) after Shemoneh Esrei?

1 opinions

Standing vs. Sitting