Question: I often see the chazzan take three steps back and forward after finishing his chazaras hashatz. Is this necessary?
Answer: The Gemara (Yoma 53b) teaches that one
should take three steps back upon completing the amida. The Shulchan
Aruch (OC 123:1) explains that this is done by turning first to the left, then
to the right, and finally bowing forward while reciting ‘oseh shalom..’. This
gesture is compared to a servant taking leave of their master.
The Beis Yosef (OC 123:1) provides several explanations for
this practice. Quoting the Shibolei Haleket (18), he notes that stepping
backward symbolises leaving the sacred space of prayer and re-entering the
mundane world.
The Shulchan Aruch (OC 123:4) rules that the chazzan
should only take three steps back after completing his silent amida, not
after chazaras hashatz. However, the Rema adds that if the chazzan
has not yet recited his own silent amida, he is required to take three
steps back after chazaras hashatz.
The Beis Yosef and Magen Avraham (123:11), quoting the
Terumas Hadeshen (13), explain that the chazzan can rely on the three
steps he will take after reciting the kaddish shalem. Nevertheless, the
Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav OC 123:9) and Mishna Berura (123:18) emphasise
that the chazzan must avoid any interruptions or talking before reciting
kaddish shalem, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays when there is leining.
The Kaf Hachaim (OC 123:28) adds an exception: if the chazzan
is passing on the role to another person to lead the remainder of the davening
and will therefore not be reciting kaddish shalem himself, he should
take three steps back.
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