3,876. How to Enter and Exit the Temple

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 7:3

One who entered the Temple Mount must face the right and walk in that direction, exiting to the left. The exception was a person undergoing a personal tragedy, who would circle to the left. This way, those who encountered him would inquire about his unusual behavior, he would inform them that he’s a mourner and they would share words of comfort, or he would inform them that he had been excommunicated and they would pray that he repent and be restored to the community.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 7:4

When a person finishes his business and leaves, he may not turn his back to the Temple. Rather, he walks backwards a little at a time and turns to his side until he has exited the courtyard. Similarly, the kohanim on duty rotation, the representatives of the people (anshei maamad) and the Leviim descending from the platform where they sang must all leave the Temple in this way, similar to way we step backwards after Shemoneh Esrei. The preceding are all ways we show our awe of the Temple.