This is how the ashes of the Red Heifer were prepared:
A bridge was built, leading from the eastern gate of the Holy Temple all the way up to the "Mount of Annointment" - today known as the Mount of Olives.
The heifer, the priest who will perform the ceremony, and all those who will be assisting the priest, travelled along this bridge. Greeting them at the top were the elders of Israel, who had earlier walked along the same bridge.
The elders placed their hands upon the priest's head, and declared: "My master, the High Priest! Immerse yourself once!"
The priest descended into the Chamber of Immersion which was constructed on the spot, purified himself, came up and dried off.
An altar just for this purpose was also built here. The wood arranged on the altar was preferably made up of cedar, pine, cypress and fig, for these are generally free from knots and holes. The fire was be lit from its western side, the side facing the Temple. The wood was placed in the shape of a small tower, wide at the bottom and narrower towards the top. Small spaces were made in the pile to let the air circulate.
The heifer was tied to the altar with cords made from reed-grass, which do not become impure. It was placed on top of the wood arrangement with its head on the south side, and its face westward - towards the Temple. The priest stood on the eastern side, also facing west. |
