or praying alone. He is not required to take even a single step toward the passer-by; rather, he should ward him off only when the latter actually attempts to walk between him and his sutrah. If the person has already slipped through, the worshiper need not haul him back, nor should he pursue the matter so vigorously that his effort turns into an action that would nullify the prayer.

Whoever is forbidden to pass in front of a worshiper is likewise forbidden to reach in and take anything from between his hands. It is also disliked to direct one’s prayer toward people who are asleep or toward seated circles of conversation, out of fear that they might lapse into a state of ritual impurity or make a distracting mistake.