Finished Shemoneh Esrei but not able to take three steps back

Question:

In a situation when one has completed Shemoneh Esrei (he has said up to and including the yehi ratzon), but has not taken three steps back and said oseh shalom, as there is someone still davening behind him, I understand the halacha is to remain in place until the person behind has finished.

In this situation, firstly, should one pause and then take three steps back and then say oseh Shalom (I read that one could say oseh shalom at that point, even before stepping back)? Secondly, if the tzibur reach kedusha and he has still not been able to take three steps back, what can he respond to in Kedusha?

Answer:

If the wait is minimal, ideally one should wait, take three steps back, and then say Oseh Sholom.

If that is not possible, one should momentarily separate his feet, and he may then answer Boruch Hu U’Voruch Shmo, Amen, Kedushah, and any other davar shebikdusha. If necessary, he may take three steps to the side before the person behind him finishes.

While waiting, one may continue davening. However, unnecessary talk is forbidden until taking three steps back.

See here:

How does one keep all of the Halochos associated with Davening, in 770?

Sources:

אדה״ז קכב, ג. ושם, גם אחרי שפסע רק בעניני התפלה וצרכי׳. וראה לקט הקמח החדש קכב, ח. והארכנו 28571.

https://asktherav.com/28571-hebrew-can-i-pick-up-a-sefer-in-middle-of-elokai-netzor/

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