Shemini: A Roller Coaster of Emotions

We examine the quintessential "Yom HaShemini" ("The Eighth Day) - the roller coaster of emotions that transpires on this culmination of the Seven days of preparation for the Dedication of the Mishkan. This day of great tension is meant to include Divine Revelation in the Mishkan, showing that God has forgiven Israel for the Golden Calf, at least to the extent that He will once again show Himself to be in their midst. This is also the day the Mishkan becomes operative with Aharon as Kohen Gadol, despite his role in the Sin of the Golden Calf.

But there is a delay. What accounts for the delayed revelation? Does something go wrong? We consider the complicated mix of emotions as the revelatory moment comes at the same time as the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, and look at the significance of other important "eighth days."