Parah 3:6-7

Parah 3:6

They made a ramp from the Temple Mount to the Mount of Anointing (i.e., the Mount of Olives), constructed of arches upon arches. Each arch was directly above the support of the arch beneath it, as a buffer against a grave in the depths. On the ramp, the kohein who was to burn the cow, the cow and all who assisted proceeded to the Mount of Anointing.

Parah 3:7

If the cow refused to go, they could not take a black one with it out of concern that people might say that they slaughtered a black cow. They also couldn’t take another red cow out of concern that people might say that they slaughtered two cows. Rabbi Yosi says this wasn’t the reason they wouldn’t take a second cow. Rather, it’s because Numbers 19:3 says, “He (the kohein) shall bring her (the cow) out,” i.e., by itself. The elders of Israel would go first on foot to the Mount of Anointing, where there was a mikvah in which to immerse. The kohein who was to burn the cow was rendered unclean so that the Sadducees shouldn’t be able to claim that this service could only be performed by those on whom the sun has set (i.e., after a daytime immersion).