By Gazing at the Hanukkah Candles

Before you is a summary of the topics from the daily lesson as delivered by our teacher, Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a – yesterday after the Maariv (evening) prayer, Sunday night, the eve of the 25th of Kislev – the first night of Hanukkah – 5786, Parshas Miketz:

1. Everyone should light candles; for half an hour, we just look at the candles, and all salvations (yeshuos) are bestowed. All the candles represent the secret of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (Yud-Gimmel Middos).
2. During Hanukkah, one merits the Infinite Light (Ohr Ein Sof).
3. Why specifically did the miracle last for 8 days?
4. Because Hanukkah is the secret corresponding to the Simchas Beis HaShoeivah (the celebration of the water drawing in the Temple), where they would doze on each other's shoulders; one does not sleep during Hanukkah [but remains awake for spiritual service].
5. Reb Noson says that everything is in the merit of Hannah, who prayed 890 years before Hanukkah.
6. "And Hannah prayed upon Hashem"—she prayed [to a level] above the Name Havayah (the Tetragrammaton), which is Zeir Anpin (the emotive Divine attributes).
7. Adam HaRishon (the first man) was certain that the world's light was constantly diminishing until Hanukkah arrived. Then, the sun began to delay its setting once again.
8. Greece (Yavan) prayed "Yegar Sahadutha" (a mound of witness) so that Greece would rule for 214 years [the numerical value of Yegar], and this is also hinted at in the verse "gera lo yigar" (does not chew the cud) which is written concerning the pig.
9. "Smash the loins of those who rise against him"—Moshe (Moses) prayed regarding the Greeks, that [the Hasmoneans] would be victorious, one thousand two hundred years before the miracle of Hanukkah.
10. Eli [the High Priest] did not understand why Hannah was praying the Shemoneh Esrei (the standing prayer) for four hours. He was certain she was a shikora (drunkard), saying, "Put away your wine from you," but in truth, she was keshera (proper and righteous).
11. Hannah merited the Infinite Light (Ohr Ein Sof).