Taking Three Steps Back After Shemona Esrei
- Halacha Moment
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - Three Steps Back During Shemona Esrei
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן
העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
What are the halachot regarding taking three steps before or after Shemoneh Esrei when someone is davening behind you?"
Answer:
If one has completed Shemoneh Esrei but the person behind them is still praying, it is forbidden to take three steps back—even if the person behind began Shemoneh Esrei later [1]. However, in cases of great need—such as to perform a mitzvah or if the person waiting is in significant discomfort—it is permitted to step back diagonally, so as not to walk directly in front of the one still praying [2]. Likewise, it is prohibited to take the three preparatory steps forward before beginning Shemoneh Esrei if someone is already davening directly in front of you [3]. If the person behind you has finished their Shemoneh Esrei but has not yet stepped back because someone is still praying behind them, it is nonetheless permissible for you to take your three steps back in order to perform a mitzvah, such as reciting Tachanun [4].
Sources:
[1]. Shulchan Aruch 102:5; Mishna Berurah 102:21 adds that even if the one behind him started after him and is now extending his prayers, it’s forbidden to take three steps back.
[2]. The Mishna Berurah 102:18 writes that according to Eliyah Rabba who permits walking in the front sides of someone Davening, one may take three steps back into that area. Accordingly, Arba Amot Shel Tefillah (pg 50) rules that in cases of great need or a mitzvah one may take three steps in a diagonal. Similarly, Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot is lenient if the one waiting is greatly paining by waiting.
[3]. Halichot Shlomo 8:33.
[4]. Halichot Shlomo 8:34
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