May I Lean for Support while Reciting Shemoneh Esrei?
Shemoneh Esrei should be recited b’amidah, while standing; one may not say it sitting, leaning against a wall, nor while resting their hands on a table or a shtender (lectern). Leaning slightly while davening—to the extent that one would remain standing if the object they are leaning on would be removed—is not considered sitting according to halachah; but one should not do so when davening Shemoneh Esrei, since it isn’t in the spirit of eimah v’yirah, standing in awe and in fear in Hashem’s presence.
However, this halachah does not apply to an elderly or frail individual, who may certainly lean for the support they need—although preferably slightly, as described above. Of course, if necessary, they may say Shemoneh Esrei while leaning heavily, sitting or even while lying down, depending on their need.
It should be noted that an individual confined to a wheelchair who davens Shemoneh Esrei while sitting down should nevertheless take three steps back while sitting in the wheelchair, or even move the wheelchair a distance of three steps, when concluding Shemoneh Esrei. #452?
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