Why do people step back three steps before the Amidah (as mentioned here in Mishnah Berurah, S'if Katan Gimmel) if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical and not really a requirement (as the Mishnah Berurah quotes from E.R.)?

Why do people step back three steps before the Amidah (as mentioned here in Mishnah Berurah, S'if Katan Gimmel) if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical and not really a requirement (as the Mishnah Berurah quotes from E.R.)?

Why do people step back three steps before the Amidah if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical?

Why do people step back three steps before the Amidah (as mentioned here in Mishnah Berurah, S'if Katan Gimmel) if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical and not really a requirement (as the Mishnah Berurah quotes from E.R.)?

Why do people step back three steps for the Amidah if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical?

Why do people step back three steps before the Amidah if the Gemarah only mentions stepping three steps forward? Is there a kabbalistic source or is it just practical?