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SHMINI
The eighth day has a special role in Jewish life. It is the day of male circumcision, of the additional day of holiday following the seventh day of Succot, the extra day of Pesach in the Diaspora, the final day of Chanuka – Zot Chanuka – and in this week’s parsha it is the day of ultimate joy in the dedicatory services of the Mishkan and the day of unmitigated tragedy in the death of the two eldest sons of Aharon.
The significance of the eighth day is that it is the day that is “after” – the day of reality and the descent from euphoria into the problems and disappointments of the real world. In Israel the custom is that the blessing of “shechayanu” is recited at the circumcision ceremony but the custom in the Diaspora is that it is not recited because of the pain being suffered by the infant during the circumcision ceremony.
Here is the true reality of the eighth day, of life itself, of great joy over the happy occasion and therefore a “shechayanu” blessing is certainly in order but then there is the real cry of discomfort and pain of the infant being inducted into the covenant of Avraham and the Jewish people.
The eighth day is always the important one for it is the turning point from holiday to weekday, from miraculous salvation to the practicality of having to fend for one’s self capably and solely. And this is reflected so starkly in those events that are described in this week’s parsha.
Many times there is a lack of reality in Jewish national and personal life. We are somehow given to extremes of very high expectations and euphoria of accomplishments and then somehow dashed into deep depression and feelings of helplessness when dangerous and dire situations arise.
The rule of Rambam to always attempt to find one’s self in the middle applies to these areas as well. The eighth day brought to the family of Aharon and the people of Israel great joy of accomplishment and sadness of deep tragedy.
This swing from happiness to sadness, from accomplishment to frustration is always the symbol of the “eighth” day. The uncertainty and fragility of human existence is always revealed on the “eighth” day. It is symbolized on the day of circumcision and the end of the holidays.
Today may be rosy but there are always clouds lurking on the horizon of the morrow. Quiet faith and good will, a feeling of self-worth and a resilience of behavior and attitude, fond hopes and deep belief in a better future are the keys to a path that will navigate us past the eighth day and beyond as well.
There is this deep message that emanates from this week’s parsha. It deserves our attention for it is an important lesson in all our lives and their happenings. It is what enables Aharon to continue to serve God and Israel as its High Priest. And, his example serves us as a guide for all generations and happenings.
Shabat shalom.
Rabbi Berel Wein
