And he sprinkled it backward - and there [behind him], too, there were vessels that needed sprinkling.

His sprinkling is invalid - since we require intent for purification, as is written: "The pure person shall sprinkle it upon the impure person" [Numbers 19:19] -- that he have intention [to sprinkle] upon him.

Forward to the sides - to the sides while having a forward component, and not the sides while having a rearward component. Here too, those who are standing to the sides of the priest forward from him are included in the blessing, since they are considered to be in front of him. But those who are to his rear, even though they are not actually behind him, are considered to be behind him.

"And when he opened it" - and when he began [to read]. This is written regarding Ezra.

They stood up - [i.e.,] they were silent.

Who did not wash his hands - prior to ascending the platform.

To what do you attribute your longevity - what merit did you have such that you attained longevity?

A kappendarya - to shorten his path [by going] through the synagogue, entering through one opening and exiting opposite it. The term "kappendarya" is explained in Berakhot: "Instead of circumventing the rows, I will enter this one" [Berakhot 62b:18] -- rather than circumventing these rows, I will enter this one and shorten my path. And "darei" means rows of houses.

Nor did I stride over the heads of the sacred people - since the students would be sitting on the floor of the study hall, one who would walk among them when they were [already] seated [in order to] come in and sit in his place would have to widen his stride. That [is the the connotation of] the term "striding" -- it appears as if he is striding over their heads; therefore, he needs to come earlier or sit outside.

And I never lifted my hands for the [Priestly] Benediction - being that he was a priest.

Without a blessing - that blessing as [the Gemara] will go on to explain, "what blessing does he recite?"

When he begins walking - during [the blessing of the temple] service in order to ascend [the platform], and he turns around to face the ark, what does he say?

And when he turns his face away from the congregation - when he finishes his benedictions, he turns around to face the ark until the prayer leader completes "Who blesses His people Israel with peace."