All who would enter the temple mount entered toward the right, and would encircle it and exit through the left, aside for one to which something [unfavorable] has occurred, that he would encircle it towards the left [even when he entered]. [If he was asked] "Why are you encircling towards the left?" [If he answered] "Because I am a mourner, [they would respond] "He who rests in this house should comfort you". [If he answered] "Because I am excommunicated", [they would respond] "He who dwells in this house should put into their [the judges'] hearts and they will draw you near". These are the words of Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Yosi said to him [Rabbi Meir] "You have made as if they [the judges] have exceeded the law [in their excommunication] against him. Rather [they would say] "He who dwells in this house should put into your heart that you will listen to the words of your colleagues and they will draw you near".
Bartenura on Mishnah Middot
Entered by the right and went around to the left. For instance, those entering through the Hulda gates that are on the right, they go around [and exit] through the Taddi gate. Translator's Note: Bartenura appears to be interpreting the terms right and left as idioms for south and north respectively. (See Genesis 14:15)
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English Explanation of Mishnah Middot
All who entered the Temple Mount entered by the right and went round [to the right] and went out by the left, save for one to whom something had happened, who entered and went round to the left. Most people would enter the Temple Mount on the right side of the Southern Gates, and they would turn right and eventually come out on the left. The exception was one who was either a mourner or had been excommunicated. They would enter the same way, but they would go around to the left. This seems to have served as a means by which others could tell that something had happened to them and could offer them comfort.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Middot
"Because I am a mourner" They ask him, "What is the matter that you go around to the left?" And he says, "Because I am a mourner." [So] they say to him, "The one who dwells in this house shall comfort you." etc.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Middot
[He was asked]: “Why do you go round to the left?” [If he answered] “Because I am a mourner,” [they said to him], “May He who dwells in this house comfort you.” When people would see others walking around to the left, they would know to ask them what had happened. If the person answered that he was a mourner, they would offer him comfort.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Middot
You make it seem as if they treated him unjustly. If they [the people entering the Temple Mount] said this to him, it appears as if his friends warped the law and judged him incorrectly.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Middot
[If he answered] “Because I am excommunicated” [they said]: “May He who dwells in this house inspire them to draw you near again,” the words of Rabbi Meir. Rabbi Yose to him: you make it seem as if they treated him unjustly. Rather [they should say]: “May He who dwells in this house inspire you to listen to the words of your colleagues so that they may draw you near again.” Rabbi Yose and Rabbi Meir debate what words they would say to a mourner. According to Rabbi Meir they would offer hope that God would inspire the people who had excommunicated him to restore him to his status. Rabbi Yose complains that such a formulation gives the impression that those who had excommunicated him had done so unjustly. Instead, Rabbi Yose formulates words of consolation that place the blame on the excommunicated party, that he should mend his ways in order to be restored to his prior place.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Middot
He should inspire you to listen to the words of your friends. This implies that he erred and needs repentance. The law follows Rabbi Yose.
