1)

(a)The Kohen who merited the Ketores then took the golden Kaf and the Bazach. The Kaf held - a Tarkav (three Kabin).

(b)He placed the Bazach inside the Kaf - because, smaller than the Kaf, it was overflowing with Ketores, and there was a good chance that it would spill during transportation. In this way, it would merely fall into the Kaf, rather than on the floor (see also Rosh).

(c)The Bazach was covered with a lid (see commentaries on the Mishnah), which in turn - was set with a ring with which the Kohen would handle it. According to others, the Metuteles was a cloth that covered the lid.

2)

(a)The Kohen who merited to take the silver pan would then take a shovel-full of coals from the Ma'arachah Sheniyah of the Mizbe'ach ha'Olah. He merited this Mitzvah - by simply accompanying the Kohen who merited the Ketores, and by being asked by him to assist him in this way.

(b)He took them - from an area on the Ma'arachah where the coals were still big and burning brightly.

(c)He poured the ashes - into a golden shovel, from which he would then pour it on the Mizbe'ach ha'Ketores. He did not take them directly with the golden shovel - because the heat would spoil the shovel.

(d)It was perfectly foreseeable that one Kav of ashes would spill whilst pouring the ashes from the one into the other - because he was actually from a silver shovel that held four Kabin into a golden one that held only three.

3)

(a)The Kav or so of ashes that spilt on the floor ...

1. ... during the week - he swept into the Amah that flowed through the Azarah.

2. ... on Shabbos - he covered with the P'sachtor ...

(b)... which was able to hold one Lesech (fifteen Sa'ah, which is equivalent to half a Kur [i.e. ninety Kabin]).

(c)Besides covering the spilt ashes on Shabbos, the P'sachtor also served - a. to cover a dead Sheretz that was found in the Azarah on Shabbos (the former to avoid Kohanim from slipping in the Heichal, the latter to prevent them from becoming Tamei in the Azarah), and b. to transport the ashes from the Tapu'ach to outside Yerushalayim.

(d)It had two chains attached to it - because whilst one Kohen pulled one chain to move the P'sachtor down the ramp, another Kohen had to hold it back via another chain from the back (to prevent the weight of the ashes causing it to roll down the Kevesh and create an accident.

4)

(a)When the Kohanim reached the area between the Ulam and the Mizbe'ach - a Kohen threw the Magripah into that area (to announce the imminent conclusion of the Avodas ha'Boker (as we will discuss shortly [see also Tiferes Yisrael 40]).

(b)The Magripah - was a metal vessel that made an exceptionally loud clanging sound when thrown (it is not to be confused with the instrument that we discussed in the third Perek [see Tosfos Yom-Tov]).

(c)The Tana explains that it was so noisy - that one person in Yerushalayim could not hear the voice of his friend talking whilst it was being used.

5)

(a)Like the P'sachtor, the Magripah served three purposes. In our case (see Tiferes Yisrael) - it was a way of informing any Kohen who did not happen to be in the Azarah at that moment - that the morning Avodah was about to terminate), and that he should quickly come to join the other Kohanim, to be ready to enter 'Bein ha'Ulam ve'la'Mizbe'ach (even without performing any Avodah [see opening Tosfos YomTov in the next Perek) in order to prostrate themselves before Hash-m.

(b)The Magripah also affected ...

1. ... a ben Levi - for whom it was a signal that the Levi'im were about to ascend the Duchan to sing.

2. ... the head of the Ma'amad (see Tiferes Yisrael) - giving him his cue to stand the Teme'ei Keri of that Mishmar of Kohanim next to the eastern gate.

(c)Some say that he did that in order to embarrass them (for the adulterous thoughts that caused the Tum'as Keri). According to others - it was to remove suspicion from them, to prevent people from suspecting them of forsaking the Avodah and going home. Now everyone would know that it was due to their having become Tamei (irrespective of which Tum'ah) and that they were 'Anusim'. According to the Rambam, the Tana is talking about Metzora'im who have already Toveled (see Bartenura).

6)

(a)The Kohanim who merited the Kaf and the Machtah of the Ketores began ascending the steps leading to the Ulam. Ahead of them - walked the Kohen who merited to remove the ashes from beside the Mizbe'ach (where he had previously placed them), and the Kohen who had to still perform the Hatavas Sh'tei Neiros, and then to place the ashes into the Kuz (where he had already placed those of the five lamps, and which he had left on the second step).

(b)Before leaving the Heichal, the Kohen who picked up the basket from beside the Mizbe'ach ha'Zahav - prostrated himself before Hash-m.

(c)The Zerikas ha'Dam had to precede the Hatavas Sh'tei Neiros.

(d)The second of the two Kohanim, assuming he found the two western lamps ...

1. ... still burning - would extinguish the one that was more to the east, leaving the western one burning (so as to kindle all the other lamps from it).

2. ... extinguished - he would rekindle the Ner ha'Ma'aravi from the Mizbe'ach ha'Olah

7)

(a)The Tana learns from the word "Tamid", in the Pasuk "Eish Tamid Tukad al ha'Mizbe'ach ... " - that the Menorah (which is called "Ner Tamid") may only be lit from the fire on the Mizbe'ach ha'Olah.

(b)Before removing the cup with the wicks from the Heichal - the Kohen would prostrate himself before Hash-m.

8)

(a)The Kohen who merited the Machtah - now poured the coals that it contained on to the surface of the Mizbe'ach ha'Zahav ...

(b)... and spread out and flattened them there - using the base of the Machtah from which he had just poured them (see also Rosh).

(c)This was necessary - to prevent the coals from falling off the Mizbe'ach (which they were likely to do if they were permitted to pile up high.

(d)The Avodas ha'Ketores on Yom Kipur differed from the Avodas ha'Ketores the whole year round - inasmuch as a. it was placed on the Aron still inside the pan, and b. the Kohen Gadol did not flatten it.

9)

(a)The Kohen who merited the Ketores, and who was currently holding the Kaf containing the Bazach with the Ketores - now took ...

1. ... the Bazach - and handed it to whichever friend or relative he had taken with him into the Heichal.

2. ... with his hands, any Ketores that had spilled on to the Kaf - and placed it into the palm of the first Kohen.

(b)They warned the first Kohen (before he even began with the Avodas ha'Ketores) - to begin placing the Ketores on the west side of the Mizbe'ach's surface (whilst he was standing beside the Mizbe'ach on the east), so as to avoid getting burned when the searing pillar of smoke began to rise from it.

(c)This needed to be said to every Kohen who performed the Ketores - because, as we already learned, no Kohen ever merited the Ketores a second time, in which case, every Kohen who did perform it was a novice.

10)

(a)Any Ketores that initially spilt on to the east side of the Mizbe'ach - the Kohen would shore up on the west side, to add to the pile of Ketores that was already there.

(b)He did that - because it was Kavod Shamayim to delay the emergence of the pillar of smoke (by adding an air of anticipation).

(c)The Kohen only began burning the Ketores - when he received specific instructions from the Memuneh to do so.

(d)The Maktir left the Heichal - as soon as he had leveled the Ketores across the surface of the Mizbe'ach, and the pillar of smoke began to rise.

(e)When inviting the Kohen to begin burning the Ketores, the Memuneh Memuneh would say to ...

1. ... a Kohen Hedyot - 'Hakter!'

2. ... a Kohen Gadol - 'Ishi Kohen Gadol, Hakter!'

11)

(a)The Mishnah learns from the Pasuk "ve'Chol Adam Lo Yih'yeh be'Ohel Mo'ed be'Vo'o Lechaper ba'Kodesh" - that whenever a Kaparah takes place in the Heichal, nobody (even an angel) is permitted to be in the vicinity (meaning that he had to leave the area of Bein ha'Ulam ve'la'Mizbe'ach.

(b)Besides that of the Ketores, the Pasuk also incorporates - the Matan Damim of the Par Mashi'ach, the Par He'elam Davar shel Tzibur and the Se'irei Avodas-Kochavim (which were all performed in the Heichal).

(c)The same basic ruling applied to the Ketores that was taken into the Kodesh Kodshim on Yom Kipur - only there - since the Ketores was not brought into the Heichal, there was no prohibition of entering the area of Bein ha'Ulam ve'la'Mizbe'ah (only the Heichal).

(d)Before leaving the Heichal - the Kohen would prostrate himself before Hash-m.

12)

(a)Three Kohanim supported the Kohen Gadol when he entered the Heichal to prostrate himself (see Tiferes Yisrael) - one on his right side, one on his left side, and one to hold the precious stones attached to the shoulder-straps of the Eifod.

(b)They did this - as a mark of prestige, in honor of the Kohen Gadol (see Tiferes Yisrael).

(c)When the Memuneh heard the sound of the bells on the Kohen Gadol's Me'il heralding his approach - he would raise the curtain of the Ulam, for him to enter (See Tosfos Yom-Tov and commentaries on the Mishnah).

(d)After the Kohen Gadol left the Heichal - all the Kohanim would enter to prostate themselves before Hash-m.

13)

(a)All the Kohanim who had been involved in the Avodas ha'Boker now assembled - on the twelve steps leading from the Azarah to the Ulam.

(b)The five Kohanim holding the receptacles - stood on the south side of the steps.

(c)Three of them were holding the Teni (with the ashes from the Mizbe'ach Ketores), the Kuz (with the ashes from the Menorah) and the Machtah (that had held the coals); the other two - the Bazach and the Kaf with its lid (which contained the Ketores) See Biy'ur ha'Gra.

(d)All of these Kohanim then - raised their hands and blessed the people (Birchas Kohanim).

14)

(a)The Birchas Kohanim in the Mikdash differed from that of the Medinah as regards ...

1. ... basic format - in that it was recited as only one B'rachah, whereas in the Medinah, they said it as three.

2. ... the Name of Hash-m - in that it was pronounced as it is written (in the Medinah, in the form of Adnus, just like we do).

3. ... the way the Kohanim stood - in that they raised their hands above their heads (in the Medinah, level with their shoulders) ...

(b)... except for the Kohen Gadol, who, according to the Tana Kama - did not raise his hands above shoulder height.

(c)Whereas according to Rebbi Yehudah - the Kohen Gadol raised his hands above his head, just like the other Kohanim (because the Torah writes in Beha'aloscha "va'Yisa Aharon es Yadav va'Yevorchem" (implying that he raised his hands high).

15)

(a)The Tana refers to Birchas Kohanim in the Mikdash to one B'rachah (even though it comprises three Pesukim) - because the people standing in the Azarah did not answer 'Amen' until the end.

(b)We learn from the Pasuk "be'Chol ha'Makom Asher Azkir es Sh'mi Avo Eilecha u'Verachticha" - that in the Beis-Mikdash, the Kohanim pronounced the Name of Hash-m the way it is written - by inverting the phrase, as if it had written 'be'Chol ha'Makom Asher Avo Eilecha u'Verachticha Azkir es Sh'mi' (and "Asher Avo Eilecha u'Verachticha" refers to the Beis-Hamikdash).

(c)We learn from the Pasuk ...

1. ... "ve'Yisa Aharon es Yadav el ha'Am va'Yecorchem" - that the Kohen Gadol was obligated to raise his hands whilst he Duchened.

2. ... "Hu u'Vanav Kol ha'Yamim" - that the other Kohanim (whom the Torah compares here to the Kohen Gadol) do as well.

(d)Even though, in the Beis-Hamikdash, the Kohanim raised their hands above their heads in honor of the Shechinah, which appeared on their finger-tips, the Kohen Gadol (according to the Tana Kama) was not able to do so - because he was forbidden to raise his hands above the Tzitz (on which the Name of Hash-m was engraved).

16)

(a)The Kohen Gadol was permitted to carry the Evarim from the Kevesh to the Mizbe'ach whenever he pleased. Likewise - he was permitted to take a portion in the Korbenos whenever he chose.

(b)When the Kohen Gadol reached the half-way mark up the ramp - the S'gan (deputy Kohen Gadol [who was constantly at his side]) - would take his right hand in his own and lead him up to the top of the ramp.

(c)When they reached the top of the Mizbe'ach, the first Kohen (who took the head and the right hind-leg up the ramp [see Tiferes Yisrael]) - handed them to him.

(d)The source for the Kohen Gadol then performing Semichah with them before tossing them on to the Ma'arachah is - de'Rabbanan, in honor of the Kohen Gadol (as Semichah on most Korbanos was performed on the animal whilst it was still alive [and not after it had already been Shechted]).

(e)In the Pasuk "ve'Asisa Olosecha ha'Basar ve'ha'Dam", we learn from the fact that the Torah compares Basar to Dam - that whilst he was still standing on the ramp, the Kohen had to toss the limbs on to the Ma'arachah.

17)

(a)After the Kohen Gadol had tossed the head ... on to the Ma'arachah - the first Kohen would hand the two fore-legs (that he, in turn, had received from the second Kohen) to the Kohen Gadol, who would again toss them on to the Ma'arachah.

(b)This process continued until all the limbs (see Tiferes Yisrael) had been brought. The second Kohen (and subsequent Kohanim) - retraced his steps back to the Azarah, as soon as the Kohen Gadol had tossed their respective limbs on to the Ma'arachah?

(c)If, say, the Kohen Gadol was tired - he had the option of performing Semichah on the limbs, and handing them back to the respective Kohanim to toss on to the Ma'arachah.

(d)The Tana then discusses the route the Kohen Gadol would take, should he need to walk round the Mizbe'ach - to perform Nisuch ha'Yayin beside the south-western Keren.

18)

(a)The route that ...

1. ... he would then take - was always moving to his right (when facing the center); south-east, north-east, north-west and south-west (according to the tradition of always turning to the right).

2. ... other Kohanim who performed the Nisuch ha'Yayin would take was quite different in that - they would ascend the Kevesh on the west side, and turn left, arriving immediately at the south-western Keren.

(b)The other two Avodos that required this same latter procedure were - Nisuch ha'Mayim (on Succos) and the Avodah of the Olas Ha'Of (in spite of the fact that it meant breaking with the tradition) ...

(c)... because all three commodities (the wine, the water and the bird), would be adversely affected by the smoke of the Mizbe'ach, if they would turn right and have to walk past the Makom ha'Ma'arachah and then all the way round the Mizbe'ach.

(d)The Kohen Gadol was permitted to go whichever way he wanted - because he was (Kevayachol) considered a member of Hash-m's household.

(e)When the Kohen Gadol arrived at the south-western Keren - he took the flask containing the wine for the Nesech, that was handed to him.

19)

(a)At that moment, the S'gan was standing - beside the Kohen Gadol by the south-western Keren.

(b)The ...

1. ... S'gan was then - holding two flags in his hand.

2. ... two Kohanim who were standing on the Shulchan of the Chalavim - (one of the tables located west of the Kevesh) then blew the two trumpets that they were holding.

(c)Following that, they went up to ben Arza - a Levi who played the cymbals (which also served as the cue for the choir to begin), and flanked him.

(d)With that - the S'gan waved the two flags, ben Arza struck the cymbals and the Levi'im began to sing.

20)

(a)When they reached the end of a chapter - the two Kohanim blew the trumpets and everyone prostrated themselves before Hash-m.

(b)The Tana ends the Mishnah with a prayer - that the Beis-Hamikdash should be rebuilt and the Avodah reinstated.

21)

(a)The Levi'im sang the same Shir shel Yom each day of the week as we recite at the end of the Davenning. They sang ...

1. ... "la'Hashem ha'Aretz u'Melo'ah ... " on Sunday - because that was the first day of the creation.

2. ... "Gadol Hash-m u'Mehulal Me'od" on Monday - because the dividing of the upper and lower waters (with the sky in between) is an awesome sign of G-d's greatness.

(b)On Tuesday, they sang "Elokim Nitzav ba'Adas Keil", because dry land appeared on that day, which houses the judges and those who are judged, to whom this Pasuk refers (see also Tiferes Yisrael). Whereas on ...

1. ... Wednesday, they sang "Keil Nekamos Hash-m ... " - because on it He created the sun, the moon and the stars and in time to come, He will punish those who worshipped them.

2. ... Thursday, they sang "Harninu l'Elokim Uzeinu Hari'u l'Elokei Ya'akov" - because the variety of animals that Hash-m created, which demonstrate Hash-m's deep wisdom and cause people to sing His praises (Tiferes Yisrael).

3. ... Friday, they sang "Hash-m Malach Ge'us Laveish" - because that was when the world was completed, and particularly man, who recognizes the Creator and declares Him King.

(c)On Shabbos (besides "Mizmor Shir le'Yom ha'Shabbos") they sang - 'Mizmor Shir le'Asid Lavo, le'Yom she'Kulo Shabbos, Menuchah le'Chayei Olamim'.

(d)The connotations of Menuchah "le'Chayei or le'Chei [see Tosfos Yom-Tov and Likutim]) ha'Olamim" - are that this Tana holds that the world will exist for only six thousand years, and that it will then be destroyed for one thousand years, when Hash-m will reign supreme (though it is not clear to me how we learn this from there [see also Tosfos Yom-Tov]).