Middos 3:6-7

Middos 3:6

The basin was between the ulam (the entrance) and the altar, a little to the south. The space between the ulam and the altar was 22 cubits (about 33’) and there were 12 steps there, each half a cubit high (about 9”) and a cubit deep (about 18”). There was a cubit, another cubit, and then a landing of three cubits, followed by a cubit, another cubit, and again a landing of three cubits. At the top there was a cubit, and another cubit followed by a landing of four cubits. Rabbi Yehuda says that at the top there was a cubit and another cubit followed by a landing of five cubits.

Middos 3:7

The doorway of the ulam was 40 cubits high (about 60’) and 20 cubits wide (about 30’). There were five cornices of oak over it. The lowest extended a cubit beyond the doorway on either side; the one above that extended a further cubit on each side. They continued in this fashion so that the top cornice was 30 cubits long (about 45’). There was a layer of stones between each cornice and the next.