Explanation of a Jewish Service?

I had to do a site visit to a different religion other than my own. I went to a Jewish temple. I still have some questions about what went on. First of all we went on a Friday night. We were told to turn and face the door to welcome the shabbat. Why were we welcoming the sabbath on Friday night and not Sunday? Also when the rabbi turned east to pray I was told it was because it is the direction of Israel, but when he turned to the east he was facing a door, the arc of Torah? Can someone explain this to me? Thanks!