When the Kohen Gadol enters [the Heichal] to prostrate himself, three [Kohanim] would hold on to him: one on his right, one on his left, and one [holding] on [to] the precious stones. And when the appointed one heard the sound of the Kohen Gadol’s feet as he was exiting [the Heichal], he lifted the curtain for him. He entered, and prostrated himself, and exited, and his fellow Kohanim entered, and prostrated themselves, and exited.

They came and stood on the steps of the Antechamber. The first ones stood to the south of their fellow Kohanim, and there were five vessels in their hands: the basket in the hand of one, and the jug in the hand of one, and the shovel in the hand of one, and the spoon in the hand of one, and the ladle and [the spoon’s] cover in the hand of one.  And they blessed the nation [with] one blessing; except that in the provinces, [the Kohanim] pronounce it [as] three blessings, whereas in the Temple [they pronounce it as] one blessing.  In the Temple, [the Kohanim] would pronounce the Name [of God] as it is written, but in the provinces, [they use] its alternative pronunciation.  In the provinces, the Kohanim raise their palms, [with] their hands at shoulder height, whereas in the Temple [they raise their hands] above their heads, except for the Kohen Gadol who does not raise his hands above the tzitz. R’ Yehudah says: Even the Kohen Gadol raises his hands above the tzitz, for it is stated (Leviticus 9:22): And Aaron raised his hands toward the people and he blessed them.