Share 

The term "to fall on the face" used in Genesis, 17:3, Numbers, 16:4, Numbers, 16:22, Numbers, 20:6, etc. and also the type of worship on Yom Kippur when the High Priest pronounced the special name of G-d involed a progression of Nefilah, Qida and Hishtakhaweh (falling, bending and prostration).

The Talmud Sukkah 53a explains that it was both difficult and dangerous to do:

It was taught: They said of R. Simeon b. Gamaliel…he used to take eight lighted torches [and juggle them]… and when he prostrated himself, he used to dig his two thumbs in the ground, bend down, kiss the ground, and draw himself up again, a feat which no other man could do, and this is what is meant by Qidah. Levi showed in the presence of Rabbi what Qidah is and as a result, became lame [the tremendous strain dislocated his thigh]…