יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק א׳

The daily routines of the future Temple will serve as a mirror for the spiritual and practical differences between ordinary weekdays and sacred festivals. These procedures will grant special meaning to the moments when God reveals His presence. At the center of these routines is the eastern gate of the inner courtyard. Commentators debate its exact location. One approach identifies it as the gate facing the main courtyard of the Israelites [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. Another perspective specifies it as the gate of the priests' courtyard, where the altar stands, which opens outward toward the people [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

During the six regular workdays, this gate remains shut. Unlike the outer eastern gate or the main Sanctuary doors which are sealed permanently, this particular gate is only closed on ordinary days [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. The primary reason for this is practical. During the workweek, the general public and the national leader do not usually gather at the Temple in large crowds [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Beyond the practical, there is a profound spiritual reason. The eastern gate faces directly west toward the resting place of God's presence. On regular weekdays, a person is neither permitted nor spiritually equipped to gaze upon the divine radiance, so the doors remain closed [אהבת יהונתן].

The reality shifts completely on the Sabbath and the first day of the new month. On these holy days, the gate is opened wide to allow the masses and the leader to enter, gather together, and bow before the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. By contrasting the regular workweek with the new month, it becomes clear that the new moon was also historically treated as a day of rest from labor, a tradition maintained primarily by women [חומת אנך].

The opening of the gate on these specific days holds hidden spiritual depths. On the Sabbath and the new month, a person is granted an extra soul, elevating them to a spiritual level where they can safely receive the presence of God. Furthermore, the open gate represents a return to the Garden of Eden, as even the souls of the wicked are given rest and allowed to enter during these sacred times [אהבת יהונתן].

In the future era, the opening of this gate will also serve a fascinating timekeeping purpose. The light of the moon will equal the sun, and the sun will shine with immense power without the interruption of night. In a world without darkness, humanity might lose its sense of time and forget when the Sabbath or the new month begins. The physical opening of the Temple gate will act as a divine signal, announcing the arrival of the holy days [אהבת יהונתן]. This unique schedule of opening and closing the doors was never practiced in the past; it is an entirely new law designed specifically for the future Temple [רד״ק].