Halachah 1 states that Mount Moriah, the Temple Mount, measured 500 cubits by 500 cubits, surrounded by a wall, with arches built underground to prevent tumat ohel.
Question 2
What made the Gate of Nicanor (eastern gate of the Temple Courtyard) unique among all the Courtyard gates?
Halachah 5 explains that all gates were gold-plated except the eastern gate. Nicanor's bronze doors were kept in honor of the miracles that occurred when his ship was saved at sea and one gate re-emerged from under the hull at Acre.
Question 3
Why were balconies added to the Women's Courtyard?
Halachah 9 explains that during Sukkot, the entire nation gathered for Simchat Beit HaShoevah. The closeness of men and women aroused frivolity unfitting for the holy occasion, so balconies were constructed so women could observe from above while men stood below.
Question 4
Where did the Supreme Sanhedrin convene within the Temple complex?
Halachah 17 states that the Supreme Sanhedrin sat in judgment in the Chamber of Hewn Stone (named for its stone seats), which was half consecrated and half not. The Sanhedrin sat in the unconsecrated half. Its placement in the Temple was due to their involvement with priestly cases and the inspiration the holiness provided.
Question 5
According to Halachah 16, what is the 'northern portion' of the Temple Courtyard, and what was its significance?
Halachah 16 defines the 'northern portion' as the rectangle spanning the butchering posts, marble tables, and rings along the northern section of the Courtyard. The Torah requires that burnt offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, and communal peace offerings be slaughtered specifically on the north side of the Altar.