Mizrach literally means 'place of the rising' — the east, where the sun rises. It derives from zarach (to rise, to shine). In Hebrew cosmology, directions were named relationally: one facing east with arms outstretched would have south on the right (yamin) and north on the left. East was the primary orientation, the direction of the dawn, of beginnings.
The east carries layered theological meaning. The entrance to the tabernacle and temple faced east — worshipers entered from the east as the sun rose, walking into God's presence. The glory of God departed eastward in Ezekiel's vision and returned from the east. In Psalm 103:12, God removes our sins as far as 'the east is from the west' — infinite distance. The magi came from the east following a rising star. Sunrise and east together represent divine initiative, new beginnings, and God's coming toward His people.