Thursday, April 10, 2014

Stepping sideways out of the amidah

Hi,

One who recites the amidah in a narrow space, such that there is no room to take three steps backward, may take the steps at an angle. Some even accept stepping laterally, where that is the only option.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:82:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

2 comments:

  1. Good morning, I do see some who step laterally when there is plenty of room to step backwards? Any problem with this? Does it matter to which side one steps laterally? Michael Felder

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  2. Hi Michael,
    I can't answer for that which you have seen, but to my understanding this is only for a case of need.
    In terms of the side - there is a preference for taking the first step back with one's left foot (per Mishneh Berurah 123:13), so I imagine that will dictate the direction one takes.

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