In which part of the Holy of Holies was the Ark placed, and what was stored before it?
Halachah 1 states the Ark was placed in the western portion of the Holy of Holies, with the vial of manna and Aharon's staff placed before it. The anointing oil was entombed with it later but was not 'before' it.
Question 2
Why did the builders of the Second Temple hang two curtains instead of one between the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies?
Halachah 2 explains that since the builders did not know whether the First Temple's one-cubit wall fell within the Sanctuary's 40 cubits or the Holy of Holies' 20 cubits, they hung two curtains — one from each side — leaving one cubit between them to account for either possibility.
Question 3
What was the purpose of the iron blade called the Kaleh Orev placed atop the Temple's guard rail?
Halachah 3 describes the Kaleh Orev as a blade-shaped iron sheet placed all around the guard rail. The Rambam's Commentary translates the term as 'the raven decimator,' explaining that its sharp edge would cut the feet of birds that tried to land on it.
Question 4
How many total cells surrounded the Temple building across all floors, and how were they distributed?
Halachah 10 specifies that there were 38 cells in total: five cells per row times three levels equals fifteen on the north, fifteen on the south, and three per row with an irregular top level giving eight on the west (3+3+2), totaling 38.
Question 5
Why were craftsmen lowered into the Holy of Holies in boxes closed on three sides?
Halachah 13 explains that craftsmen descended through apertures in the upper storey into the Holy of Holies for inspection purposes, and the boxes were used specifically so that they would not freely gaze upon the sacred chamber — since it was forbidden to stare at the Holy of Holies even though no guilt-offering was required for doing so.