Leaning as Sitting
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Question
It is known in Halacha that leaning is considered as sitting. I would like to ask whether this rule applies everywhere, i.e., regarding 'Al HaMichya' where sitting is required, does leaning suffice, and also when it is forbidden to stand before someone praying, is leaning considered as sitting, or does this rule apply only in the case of the Amidah where standing is required? I recall that the Magen Avraham writes that leaning as sitting only applies when it is not considered standing, but I would like to hear the opinion of our Rabbi, shlita, and understand the reasoning in this matter. Thank you.
Answer
The Magen Avraham is in Siman Kama, S"K 2: In Tosafot Sotah, page 40, and Zevachim, page 19b, Tosafot writes that wherever sitting is required, leaning is not considered sitting, specifically in the Azarah where sitting is forbidden, yet leaning is permitted because it does not state standing, thus leaning is neither standing nor sitting.
Therefore, in a blessing where sitting is required, leaning will not suffice.
Regarding sitting before someone praying, the Mishnah Berurah (Siman 102, S"K 1) writes:
It is forbidden to sit - and also forbidden to lean, but slight leaning, where if removed one could stand, is permitted in a pressing situation: