3,868. Ascending From Level to Level

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 6:3

One would then walk through the entire Israelite courtyard on one level. From there he would ascend to the ezras kohanim (the priests’ courtyard) by a single step, one cubit tall. There was then a platform consisting of three steps, each of which was half a cubit tall by half a cubit deep. We see that the ezras kohanim was 2.5 cubits (approx. 45”) higher than the Israelite courtyard.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 6:4

Next, one would walk the entirety of the ezras kohanim, the altar, and the area between the entry hall and the altar all on one level. He would then ascend to the entry hall via 12 steps, each of which was half a cubit tall by half a cubit deep. The entry hall and the Heichal were on the same level.