(Chelek Chof Daled, Page 1)

Parshas Vayechi, Chelek Tes Vov, pg 447

135. Mikeitz/Chanukah: Fight for Peace

The message of Chanukah is that some things are worth fighting for. When dark forces, within our homes or without, threaten to overwhelm us, we need to fight for peace.

The Macabees showed us how to

sacrifice everything and connect to the yechida in our soul, where true peace prevails and leaves no room for opposition.

Each Shabbos, our candles symbolize the same. The small flame of a 3 year old girl does much to replace darkness with joy, respite, and peace.

Imagine that all the the flames of our Shabbos and Chanukah lights come together. They would burst into a great big bonfire to overcome all darkness and usher in the final days of “no hunger or war, no competition or jealousy.”

"Yaakovs epic battle with Esavs angel left him limping - and because of this we have the mitzvah not to eat the gid hanashe (sciatic nerve). For such a huge significant battle, struggle and ultimate triumph that Yaakov went through - this being the Jewish peoples story all through our lives & through history - the mitzvah attached to it seems...minor? insignificant? Chassidus tells us - aha! thats exactly the point! Hashems with us in every single ""minor"" detail. The yidden are His beloved people, and every detail is important, with intention - no such thing as ""minor"" when it comes to this special relationship. This sicha is packed with life-changing concepts and the class ends with an awesome story :)

Thought Question: *What do we celebrate in our family?* Which actions, or accomplishments or moments do we celebrate – and how that passes on to our children!

We are responsible for our efforts, and Hashem for the results

(Chelek Chof vov pg 85)

*Chof Daled Teves, Today, is the Alter Rebbe’s yartzeit, and is a day of tremendous joy._*

He was a “neshama chadasha”, beyond the general soul of Adam HaRishon.

His neshama is connected to Moshiach, and his birth made Moshiach’s revelation possible.

*What was the Alter Rebbe’s message?*

When facing a conflict don’t break anything- Not yourself and not others.

*Disconnect from the negative voices around you and within you, and tap into your neshama’s truth.*

*If you’re not sure which voice is your neshama’s- speak to your mashpia.*