Why is spitting to the left preferred over to the right during the Amidah, while at the end of the Amidah (three steps back) one bows to the left first?
Synopsis
Authorities offer competing explanations for the apparent contradiction: during the Amidah spitting goes left (person's orientation), while the farewell bow starts left (God's right). The Taz and Magen Avraham offer the same resolution.
More in Drunkenness and Prayer
Is it forbidden to belch during the Amidah prayer?
3 opinions across 3 eras
Is it forbidden to yawn during the Amidah prayer, and what must one do if compelled to yawn?
2 opinions
Is it forbidden to place one's hand on one's chin during prayer?
3 opinions
Is it forbidden to spit during the Amidah prayer?
7 opinions across 3 eras
In which directions may one spit during the Amidah — specifically, is spitting to the left permitted before spitting to the rear, or is the rear always the primary option?
5 opinions
How should a louse biting during the Amidah be dealt with?
4 opinions
If a tallit slips during the Amidah, may one re-wrap it?
4 opinions
If someone is carrying a load when the time to pray arrives, must they put it down before praying?
3 opinions
Related from other topics
Must one have kavvanah (intention/concentration) during the Amidah, and which blessings require it?
Kavvanah in Prayer
If one failed to concentrate during the Avot blessing, must one repeat the Amidah?
Kavvanah in Prayer
May one raise one's voice during the Amidah if one cannot concentrate while whispering?
Kavvanah in Prayer
May one leave one's place during the Amidah for a necessary reason?
Errors in Shemoneh Esrei
When exactly does the four-amot waiting period begin — at the conclusion of the Amidah text or after pesi'ot acharonot (taking three steps back and reciting oseh shalom)?
Waiting Between Prayer and Eating
If one erred during Shabbat Mincha by praying the regular Amidah without mentioning Shabbat, must one repeat it?
Missed Prayers
Discussion
Discussion coming soon.
The Daily Law
One question. Every opinion. Every morning.
A new halakhic question and the full spectrum of rabbinic thought, delivered daily.