Between the floor of the Azara and the threshold of the Ulam, twelve steps. Each rises half an ama; the tread is one ama, but Middot 3:6 inserts landings of three amot and gives the top one four, so that, by Bartenura's reckoning, they occupy nineteen of the twenty-two amot separating the altar from the Ulam; the three amot on the altar side are level paving. This is where the Kohanim go up to stand and bless the people — on the steps, not in the courtyard.
Dimensions
- twelve steps
- each step: ½ ama high, 1 ama of tread, except three landings of 3, 3 and 4 amot
- they occupy 19 of the 22 amot between the Ulam and the Mizbeach
Sources
Project decisionAdopted: the first opinion in Middot 3:6, a top landing of four amot. Set aside: R. Yehuda (Middot 3:6), who gives it five; the steps then begin two amot from the altar (Bartenura).