By Shalom Olensky
This week in the Torah:
On the eighth day of the Sanctuary’s dedication, the Divine Presence was revealed, and dwelled, therein.
A Jewish Tradition:
“A year in which “The Eighth” is read in the Synagogue eight times (as in this year), will be plentiful (lit. “fat”).”
Question:
What is special about “eight times” that makes the year plentiful? If it is the number eight, why, the repeated section itself is “The Eighth”?
Explanation:
Indeed, eight is special. It represents Infinity, as it is one number more than seven which signifies nature’s limitation; nature was created in seven days (six days of creation, and “on the seventh He rested”).
Hence, specifically on the eighth day did Divinity – the Infinite – show itself on Earth in the Sanctuary.
But that alone is not enough. For G-d to be completely satisfied with His creation, His Infinity must unite with the finite.
Only the very Essence of G-d can enable this union of opposites, i.e. finite and Infinite, because, for the Essence, “Impossible” is impossible.
Answer:
“Eighth” is a serial number; the eighth is separate from the earlier seven in the series.
“Eight,” on the other hand, is a total number; all eight are present together.
Hence, when the “Eighth” – Infinity not yet totally one with the finite – is, however, read in the Synagogue “eight” – one totality of the seven together with the eighth – times , the year is plentiful and “fat” – a term that connotes the Essence, (which empowers this union), as oil which pervades all matter.
(Based on Sefer HaSichos—5751, Shemini)
