The Three Steps
Question
I heard that you have to wait until kedusha to take 3 steps forward after shmoneh esreh but I see many people don't wait I was wondering le'halakha if it's obligatory and if so should you wait by maariv as well? (In maariv when do you wait until?)
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Let us begin with a few words about the three steps at the conclusion of the Shemoneh Esrei.
At the conclusion of the Shemoneh Esrei one takes three steps backward in a bowing posture, as a slave takes leave of his master, and as a student takes leave of his rebbe. These three steps backward are especially significant, as we are taught that Nebuchadnezzar was granted permission to destroy the Beit Hamikdash as a reward for taking three steps in honor of God! Furthermore, the Talmud teaches that one who is negligent with the three steps backward at the conclusion of Shemoneh Esrei is better off not having prayed at all.
One should take the first step back using one’s left foot (generally the weaker foot) as if to show one’s hesitance in taking leave of G-d. These steps should not be exceptionally large – just the distance from one end of the foot to the other. In the event that one is unable to take three steps backward, one may move three steps to the side or even diagonally instead. In a situation where there is simply no room to take three steps backward, one may suffice with three tiny symbolic steps.
After stepping back, one then recites the verse of Oseh shalom bimromav. While reciting this verse one should bow to the left, to the right, and then towards the center. One then recites the yehi ratzon, a prayer that G-d rebuild the Temple and reinstitute the ancient Temple service. The Biur Halacha writes that one should not take more than three steps backward.
It is proper to remain in place Le'Chatchillah until the chazzan reaches Kedusha, or in a time of need (Beshat Ha'dchak) at least until he begins the repetition, before taking the three steps forward and returning to one’s original place. At Ma’ariv, one should wait until the chazzan recites the full Kaddish, or until va’yechulu on Shabbat, before taking three steps forward.
OC 123 with commentaries