Kedusha: Rising on our Toes

Do we bounce on our toes three times for “Baruch kevod Hashem mimkomo” and for “yimloch…” during kedusha

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

As you know, widespread custom is to rise on our toes each time we say the word “kadosh.” This is done in order to symbolize that  G-d’s Holiness is a higher level of holiness than we experience in this world. As it says in the Midrash that, “the Jewish people should raise their heels when they sanctify Me.” Others say that the reason for this custom is in order to emulate the angels, who similarly move when praising G-d.” Hence, rising upon our toes symbolizes our desire to reach this higher level of holiness. Some also have the custom to look upwards when reciting “kadosh, kadosh, kadosh”.

Another reason for rising to our toes at “kadosh…” is based on the teaching of the Arizal that each "Kadosh" represents a different intellectual attribute. The first “kadosh” represents the attribute of kindness, the second “kadosh” represents the attribute of strength, and the third “kadosh” represents the attribute of beauty. Rising to our toes when saying each “kadosh” symbolizes our desire to experience these attributes.

As you correctly note, widespread custom is also to rise on our toes while reciting the “Baruch Kevod…” and “Yimloch…” as well. While this latter practice is of somewhat more recent vintage (with the original custom only being to rise on one’s toes for “kadosh…”) it is nearly universal. Here too, it is explained that doing so shows our desire to transcend our material and physical limitations and attach ourselves to G-d and spirituality.

Beit Yosef and Rama 125:2; Mishna Berura 125:6; Kaf Hachaim, OC 125:2,9 Aruch Hashulchan, OC 125:3