All those entering the Temple Mount enter toward the right and circle and exit toward the left, except for one to whom something [adverse] occurred, for he would circle toward the left. “Why are you circling toward the left?” “Because I am a mourner.” “May the One Who dwells in this House comfort you.” “Because I was excommunicated.” “May the One Who dwells in this House instill [compassion] into [your colleagues’] hearts, that they should draw you close;” [these are] the words of R’ Meir. R’ Yose said to [R’ Meir]: You have made them out as if they overstepped the bounds of the law! Rather, [they should say:] “May He Who dwells in this House instill [reason] into your heart, that you should hearken to the words of your colleagues, and they shall then draw you close.”

Inside of [the Temple Mount wall was] the Soreg, ten handbreadths high, and there were thirteen breaches in it, breached by the Greek kings. [The Jews] once again fenced in [those breaches] and decreed thirteen prostrations corresponding to them.  Inside of [the Soreg was] the Cheil, ten amos [long], and there were twelve steps there, the height of each step half an amah, and its tread half an amah.  All the steps that were there [in the Temple], the height of each step [was] half an amah, and its tread [was] half an amah, except for those of the Antechamber.  All the entryways and gateways that were there, their height [was] twenty amos, and their width [was] ten amos, except for that of the Antechamber.  All the entryways that were there had doors, except for that of the Antechamber.  All the gateways that were there had lintels, except for [the] Tadi Gate, for there were two stones leaning upon each other.  All the [doors of the] gateways that were there were changed to gold, except for those of the Nikanor Gate because a miracle occurred with them; and some say, because their copper shone.