Midrasch zu Middot 2:13

The narrative in Yechezkel³Yechezkel 40:6. mentions that the angel “ascended its steps.” In his commentary, Rashi refers to the mishnah in Middos,⁴Middos 2:3. which relates that there were twelve steps leading to the Women’s Courtyard. Each step was half a cubit high and half a cubit wide. Indeed, all of the steps in the Beis HaMikdash had these dimensions. The only exception was the steps leading to the Ulam. This is Rashi’s version of the mishnah. However, it seems that Rambam’s version of the text did not include the words “except the steps to the Ulam.”⁵See his commentary to the Mishnah.

Solomon saw that the observance of loving-kindness was great before the Holy One, blessed be He. When he built the Temple he erected two gates, one for the bridegrooms, and the other for the mourners and the excommunicated. On Sabbaths the Israelites went and sat between those two gates; and they knew that anyone who entered through the gate of the bridegrooms was a bridegroom, and they said to him, May He who dwells in this house cause thee to rejoice with sons and daughters. If one entered through the gate of the mourners with his upper lip covered, then they knew that he was a mourner, and they would say to him. May He who dwells || in this house comfort thee. If one entered through the gate of the mourners without having his upper lip covered, then they knew that he was excommunicated, and they would say to him, May He who dwells in this house put into thy heart (the desire) to listen to the words of thy associates, and may He put into the hearts of thy associates that they may draw thee near (to themselves), so that all Israel may discharge their duty by rendering the service of loving-kindness.

When the Temple was destroyed, the sages instituted (the rule) that the bridegrooms and mourners should go to the synagogues and to the houses of study. The men of the place see the bridegroom and rejoice with him; and they see the mourner and sit with him upon the earth, so that all the Israelites may discharge their duty in the service of loving-kindness. With reference to them he says: Blessed art Thou, who giveth a good reward to those who show loving-kindness.