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When praying the Amida, one should face the Temple Mount. In practice, this means someone in Israel should face Jerusalem, and someone in the diaspora should face Israel.
We begin the Amida by taking three steps forward. During the Amida (which literally means “standing”), a person should stand with his or her feet together, as a sign of respect and awe. Placing the feet together also indicates the marshalling of all one’s abilities in the service of God. In contrast, standing with feet apart makes it seem as if one is focused on the material world, and eager to chase after worldly matters. In pressing circumstances, such as while traveling or when sick, one may pray sitting or lying down.
At five places in the Amida, the Sages instituted bowing. The first two are at the beginning and end of Avot (the first blessing) and the next two are at the beginning and end of Modim (the eighteenth blessing), because these are the two most important blessings. First, we bend the knees when we recite the word “barukh” (“blessed”), as bowing opens us up to receiving blessings. Second, we bow from the waist as we say the word “ata” (“are You”). Third, we straighten up before saying the name of God, as it is through faith in God we have the strength to straighten up and take action in the world. The bow should be deep enough that one’s head is positioned between the heart and the waist. Those who are too old or sick to bow easily should bow their head as low as they can.
The fifth bow takes place at the end of the Amida. We bow while stepping back – three steps toe-to-heel. If there is not enough room to take three steps back, one may move sideways or take three very small steps. After the steps back, we straighten up and remain standing in place for a few seconds, so as not to give the impression of being eager to run away.
