159. Leaving Shul

25:7 When leaving shul, one should recite the verse: “Hashem n’cheini b’tzidkasecha” (“God, lead me in Your righteousness” - Psalms 5:9). One bows before the aron like a student departing from his teacher. When leaving shul or going down from the bimah, one should be careful not go turn his back to the aron. Rather, he should go sideways.

25:8 One may not run or take large steps when leaving shul as this makes it appear that he is happy to be leaving a burdensome place. This is only the case when one is leaving to go about his own activities; if one is going from shul to the beis midrash, it is a mitzvah to run.