The Temple Institute: In-Depth Temple Study: The Chamber of Wood
 
The Chamber of Wood, "Parhedrin"

The Chamber of Wood was the chamber of the High Priest. In this chamber, a mezuzah was affixed, because the high priest would live here seven days prior to Yom Kippur. This chamber was originally called the Chamber of Balavatai, meaning "the Chamber of the Ministers." During the period of the Second Temple, its name was changed to the Chamber of the Parhedrin, derived from the word for "official." This was because the high priests were changed each year in the manner of royal appointees. This chamber had a wooden door and was therefore called the Chamber of the Wood. (Sources: Yoma 8 and 11). 

Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII