1.   The seventh day of Chanukah recalls the seventh day of the dedication of the Tabernacle. The Nasi of Ephraim brought his sacrifices on Shabbos. The individual can represent and “be” the community. A person’s actions may influence others for the good. We must appreciate the value and potential of every single Jew.

2.   Chanukah is a holiday which follows an eight-day cycle. It includes the power of the transcending light which protects the seven days of the time-cycle. G‑d made the miracle of Chanukah eight days to give it these qualities.

3.   A new maamar brings with it new enthusiasm. Why publish manuscripts that have lain hidden for so many decades? Some people will only learn something new! In these times more jewels of G‑d’s crown must be ground and put into the elixir to save the Jewish people.

4.   How does Rashi interpret the dialogue between Yosef and his brothers — he called the spies — they said they were brothers and could not be spies. He responded that he knew all along they were related — and that was why he suspected them when they came through different gates.