Zevachim 56: Peace Offerings of Lesser Sanctity, Open Doors

Today's daf introduces two Mishnayot.  First, we learn:

• Thanks offerings and nazarite's ram offering are of lesser sanctity
• they are slaughtered anywhere in the Temple courtyard
• their blood requires two placements that are four
• they are eaten throughout Jerusalem by any ritually pure Jew
• they can be prepared in any way
• they are eaten on the day they were sacrificed until midnight
• the portion separated for priests is similar to their own but it can be eaten by priests, their wives, children and slaves

The second Mishna teaches us about another offering of less sanctity

• Peace offerings are of lesser sanctity
• they are slaughtered anywhere in the Temple courtyard
• their blood requires two placements that are four
• they re eaten throughout Jerusalem
• every ritually pure Jew eats this offering
• it can be prepared in any manner
• it must be eaten the day of sacrifice up until midnight of the following evening
• the status of the offering given to the priest is the same as their own
• it may be eaten by the priests, their wives, children and slaves

It is obvious that one difference between these two MIshnayot is that the Peace offering is the only offering that can be eaten over a much longer period of time than the other offerings.  An extra night, day and evening are available.  Why?  Is it because of the nature of the peace offering?  

The rabbis consider whether or not the doors of the Temple should be open while peace offerings are being brought through the courtyard.  The Gemara suggests that the sacrifice should be brought in the opening of the Tent of Meeting.  Another writing says that the sacrifice should e brought before the Tent of Meeting.  Rav Yehuda speaks in the name of Shmuel saying that if the door were meant to be closed, it would be called a delet, a door, or sha'ar, a gate.  Thus the door must be open.  This is discussed at some length, particularly regarding more creative interpretations of closed and open doors.