Shmini

Aharon raised his hand and blessed the people (VaYikra 9:22). Rav Naphtoli MiRupschitz notes the Hebrew word for Aaron's hands (yadav) is written with one letter missing (chaseir). His take on this is that Aharon happily blessed the people though his hands were not filled by them with payment. He contrasted this with some of his his contemporaries who had their hands filled before offering blessings.

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Why is the opening day of the Mishkan called the eighth day rather than being referred to as the first day? Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky explained that the Torah here is teaching the importance of preparation. Seven days preceded the first day, making it the eighth day rather than the first. Often what looks like the start comes along late in the process, following great preparation.

For more Shmini thoughts see here and here.