1) Before beginning Shemona Esrei, one should take three steps forward as a gesture of "approaching" the King [of Kings]. (The reason for three steps is because it says "VaYigash -and he approached" three times in Tanach; once by Avraham, once by Yehuda and once by Eliyahu Hanavi. Darchei Moshe Siman 95)
The prevalent Minhag is to take 3 steps backwards before taking the three steps forward. The Steipler’s Minhag was not to take the three steps backward, and simply to move up three steps and begin Shemona Esrei (Orchos Rabeinu Vol. 1 Siman 193)
2) The Poskim say that it is correct to take these three steps (both backwards and forwards) beginning with the right foot, unlike after finishing Shemona Esrei when the left foot goes first. (See Mishna Berura Siman 123:13. The reason for the left first after Shemona Esrei, doesn’t apply for before Shemona Esrei)
Reader's Question:
Thank you for sending out your wonderful e-mails...
...I was just wondering, a [few days] ago you mentioned holding the Tzitzit [during Shema] between the fourth and fifth fingers - what is the significance of that (as opposed to holding them any other way)?
The Sefer Taamei Haminhagim quotes the Sefer Eishel Avraham (Butshatsh) in the name of the Yam Shel Shlomo in Yevamos to hold the Tzitzis between these fingers. He doesnt explain the reason, he just says that there is a very deep "Sod" (mystical reason) to doing this. They also quote a Chida in Birchei Yosef who says this is based on Kaballah.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
