The Temple Institute: In-Depth Temple Study: The WomenÕs Court
 
The WomenÕs Court: Uses

The WomenÕs Court also served as a gathering place for pilgrims on special occasions - such as: Simchat Beit HaShoeva Celebrations, the Hakhel Gathering on Sukkot, and the reading of the Torah on Yom Kippur. On Sukkot, those gathered in the WomenÕs Court would face westward, toward the Heichal, and prostrate themselves before descending to the Shiloach Spring to bring water for the libations on the mizbeach. This prostration served as a demonstration of their dedication to G-d, in contrast with their fathers who worshiped idols and bowed down eastward to the sun in the same location. (Sources: Succah: 5, 2; Yoma 7:1). 
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII