“On the eighth day”

What was it that Aaron did on the eighth day? I will discuss this in one moment, but first one must also ask, "When is the eighth day?"
If there are only seven days in a week, how does one have an "eighth" day? The rabbis have always described an eighth day as a day outside of time. There are different things that are done on eighth days, such as the eighth day after Passover is an extra day of rest, as is the eighth day of Sukkot. Also, the day that babies are brought to the Temple for circumcision is on the eighth day. This day represents a father and mother's commitment to the covenant of Israel, an eternal covenant. By performing this mitzvah, the family is making a connection to eternity. They are also agreeing to live in the present by actually performing this action.

Aaron has a specific duty that was commanded of him in order to bring about the "glory of the L-rd." This occasion could only be done once, as it was the inauguration of the Temple services. It was his and everyone else's first time. Glory means something like weightiness, honor, rich in appearance or abundance in possessions. Exactly what the people were to experience is contained in this word, but to understand this word, one must experience this. Quickly, here is the order and the sacrifices that Aaron brought:

Sacrifice	Animal/Grain	Purpose
Sin offering	Young bull	By bringing this sin offering, Aaron is first seeing that his sin has been covered over. (See Lev. 4) The value of a young bull is perhaps the most valuable animal in Israel. One young bull could recreate many more animals in its lifetime. Thus this sacrifice was valuable. For Aaron, unless he has dealt with his own sin, how can he bring the rest of Israel's offerings?
Whole Burnt Offering	Young ram	(See Lev. 1) An whole burnt offering allows Aaron to "draw near" to the L-rd. This is its name—the "Olah.) A ram is also an expensive offering, but more than a bull? What can be added is that two shofars could be taken from the head of a ram. This signifies the sacrifice that Isaac was willing to make. There is a connection to these consistent renewals of the covenant.
Another sin offering	Male Goat	This sin offering parallels the above sin offering, but this one is brought on behalf of all of corporate Israel. It has the same purpose, except that the value of the goat would have been less. Notice, though, these are all male sacrifices.
Another whole burnt offering	A lamb and a calf	This whole burnt offering is brought on behalf of corporate Israel. It allows all of Israel to draw near to the L-rd. Again, these are less expensive animals. One thought: the lamb is only mentioned in the context of ALL of Israel, not just Aaron.
Grain offering mixed with oil	Unleavened bread	This sacrifice reminds us of the fruit of the ground that is provided for Israel. It is unleavened to remind us that we must remain before the L-rd without our sin. We must work to continue to remain sinless. Obviously, the L-rd knows of the futility of man being without sin; however, it is the responsibility of man to continually take up the contention against sin in one's life and within Israel, and stop the sinning.

 

All of these sacrifices taken individually for Aaron, and corporately for Israel are an "avodah" to the L-rd, or an "act of service." By doing this, the L-rd is pleased, and His glory can stay with Israel. When His glory arrives, Moses and Aaron then go into the tent of meeting with the L-rd. When they come out, the two of them bless Israel. When they receive the blessing, the glory goes out, which then lets the people know that the glory has arrived, because they all fall down in His presence (Lev. 9:24).

Do we really want significant change in our lives? Are we really willing to take a stand against the sin in our life, and the lives of others to bring about G-d's glory? Consider this parallel to our lives:

When we need to approach G-d, we need to approach him with a valuable sin offering—in this case, our lives. We need to repent of our sin, and we need to approach Him with our drawing near to Him (our burnt offering.) Next, we need to offer of sacrifices of prayer for those in our lives that G-d has allowed us to be in contact with. In this case, we serve in the role of priest for others, bringing their lives before Him. Only one sacrifice will suffice—the blood of the goat, and then the blood of the Lamb. Finally, we must continually work out the sin (leaven) in our lives, as well as stand in for others, helping them to rid sin out of their lives. If we will take seriously our responsibilities, both for ourselves and for those around us, we will see the glory of the L-rd. When will we know that He has arrived in this way? We will know when we as a community are face down before His glory.

This is not an act of "waiting for the Messiah." This is an act we can start any day. We all need to have a dedication of our temples to G-d, even if it is a rededication.

Shabbat Shalom!