3,855. The Doors and Beams of the Gates

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 4:7

The large gate was ten cubits wide and 20 cubits tall (about 15’ x 30’). It had four doors, two inside and two outside. The outer doors opened into the doorway, covering the width of the walls, while the inner doors opened into the Temple, covering the space behind them.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 4:8

The opening to the entry hall was 40 cubits tall and 20 cubits wide (about 60’ x 30’) and it didn’t have gates. There were five oak beams over this entrance, the lowest of which extended a cubit on each side of the entrance. Each of these beams extended one cubit on each side of the beam beneath it. Accordingly, the top beam was 30 cubits long. There was a row of stones between each beam and the next. Such was the shape of the cornice.