This proves that both (1) hold that uncleanness is [merely] superseded in the case of a community. (2) Shall we say that the following supports him: (3) In all cases of laying [hands] I apply [the norm], shechitah must immediately follow laying, except this one, (4) which took place at the Nicanor Gate, because the leper might not enter therein (5) until the blood of his sin-offering and his guilt-offering was sprinkled on his account. (6) Now, if you say that partial entry is not designated entry, let him project his hands [into the Temple court] and lay [them on the sacrifice]? (7) — Said R. Joseph: This is in accordance with R. Jose son of R. Judah, who maintained: The north is at a distance [from the entrance]. (8) Then let a small gate be made? (9) — Abaye and Raba both quoted [in reply]: All this [do I give thee] in writing, as the Lord hath made me wise by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. (10) Others state [that] R. Joseph said: When one lays [hands], he must project his head and the greater part [of his body into the Temple court]. (11) What is the reason? — We require [him to lay hands with] all his strength; therefore it cannot be done [otherwise]. What does [the Tanna] hold? (12) If he holds that the laying [hands on] the guilt-offering of a leper is a Scriptural requirement, and that [the law that] shechitah must immediately follow laying is Scriptural, then let him [the leper] enter [the Temple court] and lay [hands], since the Divine Law ordained it? — Said R. Adda b. Mattenah: It is a preventive measure, lest he prolong his route. (13) Others state [that] R. Adda b. Mattenah said: Laying of [hands on] the guilt-offering of a leper is Scriptural, but [that] shechitah must immediately follow laying is not Scriptural. (14) An objection is raised: And he shall lay [his hands... ] and he shall kill: (15) As ‘laying’ must be [done] by clean [persons only], so must shechitah be [done] by clean [persons only]. If, however, you say that it is not Scriptural, then it can be [done] by unclean persons too? (16) — Rather, reverse it: Laying of [hands on] the guilt-offering of a leper is not Scriptural, while [the law that] shechitah must immediately follow laying is Scriptural.

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(1). ↑ Abaye and Raba.
(2). ↑ V. supra p. 163, n. 11, and Yoma 6b.
(3). ↑ ‘Ulla, that partial entry is designated entry.
(4). ↑ Laying of hands on the leper's guilt-offering.
(5). ↑ Into the Temple court.
(6). ↑ Hence the animal was brought to the Nicanor Gate, which had intentionally been left unsanctified to enable the leper to stand there, and he laid hands upon it; then it was led to the Temple court and slaughtered, and so these two actions had to be separated by a short interval.
(7). ↑ So here too shechitah could immediately follow laying.
(8). ↑ Sc. of the Temple court. V. supra 20a. The sacrifices of the leper had to be slaughtered at the north side of the altar, which was more than (22) cubits from the main entrance of the Temple court. Hence he could not possibly reach it from outside.
(9). ↑ On the north wall of the Temple court facing the altar, whereby the animal could be slaughtered immediately after his laying on of hands.
(10). ↑ I Chron. XXVIII, 19. Thus the Temple was designed by divine guidance, and nothing might be added to it.
(11). ↑ So that it would not be partial entry but complete entry, which is forbidden to the leper.
(12). ↑ When he rules that shechitah must always immediately follow laying save in the case of a leper.
(13). ↑ Lit., ‘take many steps’ — into the Temple court — more than is necessary for laying hands. This would not be covered by the Scriptural dispensation.
(14). ↑ Hence we cannot permit him to enter the Temple court.
(15). ↑ Lev. I, 4.
(16). ↑ Viz., by laying hands outside the Temple court, and then the sacrifice is led in and slaughtered.