Biblically speaking, 8 (Shemonah) is one of the most important of all Jewish numbers. In addition to being the number of days when a circumcision Brit Milah is performed, it is at the heart of the Hanukkah celebration with its eight pronged menorah (technically 9 with the Shamash). It also happens to be the only number to be part of the name of a holiday (Shmini Atzeret) and a Torah portion (This week’s Parashat Shmini).
How auspicious for the solar eclipse to appear in the skies over Buffalo on April 8th! It is as if our Biblical ancestors are winking at us from the heavens. In truth 8 is not just lucky for Jews, but for almost all religions, nationalities, and cultures in the world. In Hinduism, the Goddess Lakshmi has 8 forms. The central Buddhist symbol, the Dharmachakra, has 8 spokes. There are 8 Beatitudes in Christianity. 8 angels carry the throne of Allah in Islam. In Chinese culture 8 is incredibly lucky because it sounds like the word meaning to generate wealth.
All in all, this coming Monday will be a lucky day. How amazingly fortunate not to have to travel anywhere to see one of the greatest wonders of the natural world! If you want to know more, and missed last Friday night’s service, check out Alan Friedman’s presentation on our website. I look forward to seeing many of you at Shir Shalom on Monday from 2-4 where we will witness this once in a lifetime event together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex
Last Updated on 04/04/2024 by Marc Slonim