This week we read Parasha “Shemini” (Eighth), alluding to the eighth day in which the Tabernacle was inaugurated, when the Divine presence finally descended.
The number “7” alludes to the cycle of the natural world. There are seven days in a week, which are part of this natural order. However, number “8,” represents that which is beyond the world, the most sublime spiritual realm which takes us to the infinite essence of H”S.
We would think that between “7” and “8” there is a fundamental incompatibility, but H”S places “Shemini” as a Torah portion of its own to teach us that man and infinitude cannot connect by their own. This the 613 mitzvots, are in effect 613 bridges between the world and infinitude (the physical and the spiritual). It is precisely through the observance of the mitzvots that H”S presence becomes visible within this physical world.By revealing Him in everything we do we can come to touch the infinite even in a finite world. B”H with G-d’s help we will be able to bring the Redemption -like the eighth day of the inauguration, when “the glory of G-d appeared to all the people.”
Excerpts taken from Likutei Sichos (Vol 17, p. 92ff)
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