Seven, for instance, pops up everywhere – the seven days of creation, the seven days of mourning (shiva), the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot. But what about eight? It's less obvious, isn't it?
Well, let's delve into Vayikra Rabbah, a fascinating collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Leviticus, to unpack this a bit. It all starts with a seemingly simple verse: "On the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised" (Leviticus 12:3). Why the eighth day? Why not seven, or nine?
The Midrash, that beautiful tapestry of Jewish storytelling and interpretation, offers a compelling connection. It begins by quoting another verse, this time from the Book of Ecclesiastes: "Distribute a portion to seven, and to eight as well" (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Now, on the surface, this verse seems to be advising us to diversify our investments, to spread our resources widely. But the Rabbis, with their profound understanding of symbolism, saw something deeper.
The Midrash cleverly links these two seemingly disparate verses. "Distribute a portion to seven," it suggests, refers to the seven days of menstruation. "And to eight as well," refers to the eight days after birth when circumcision takes place.
So, what's the connection? The Midrash beautifully weaves together the woman's cycle, procreation, and the brit milah (covenant of circumcision). The Holy One, blessed be He, says, according to this interpretation: "If you observed the days of menstruation, I will grant you a son, and you will circumcise him on the eighth day."
Think about that for a moment. It’s not just about following a commandment. It's about a sacred partnership between humans and the Divine. By observing the laws of niddah – the laws pertaining to menstruation and ritual purity – a woman creates a space for holiness, for the possibility of new life. And it is through observing these laws, that God will grant them a son, to then bring into the covenant on the eighth day.
In other words, the brit milah, this ancient and powerful ritual, is directly linked to the woman's observance and her role in bringing new life into the world. It’s a reminder that our actions, our choices, have profound consequences, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
The eighth day, then, becomes a symbol of hope, of promise, of the continuation of the Jewish people. It's a reminder that even in the most intimate aspects of our lives, we have the opportunity to connect with the Divine and participate in the unfolding story of creation. And, as we see time and again in Jewish tradition, everything is interconnected.