What is the reason that people walk backwards when leaving the kosel? Is it because it is a holy place? If so, should people do it when they leave a shull?
I’ve noticed people walking backwards when coming away from the Aron. Is this the same reason? Thank you?
Answer:
The Rema (Orach Chaim 132:2) writes (citing from Maharil) that upon leaving a shul one should bow, and the Magen Avraham (6) adds that one should leave with his back facing the Aron, but rather turn sideways.
This is the reason why people leave the Kosel without turning their back to it. Some do so for the entire stretch of the area leading from the Kosel, and some do so only for a short distance at the perimeter of the area.
The same can be applied to walking away from the Aron, although this practice has less of a halachic foundation than walking out of shul.
Best wishes.
