The candles on Chanuka celebrate the war! The candles represent the candle of the Neshama and of (Torah and) Mitzva. How a candle represents the two and four basic aspects of Yiddishkeit. It also represents Mesiras Nefesh.

Havayaof hishtalshelus comes into Elokim, The higher HAVAYA reveals a much higher light. This manifests at special times. On Chanuka, the higher light manifests and joins with the ordinary.

Yehuda and Yosef are two worlds. In the beginning Yosef was superior but in the end Yehuda will be.  Talmud (Torah) and Maase (Mitzvos). Now Mitzvos are for birurim and need Torah. When birurim finish Mitzvos will be for bittul and won’t need Torah.

The lowest service is the highest purpose. It is revealed as such at the end as in the beginning. As it is represented in 1) Mitzrayim, 2) Golus, 3) The Neshama’s descent into this world.

Geula simply reveals all the potential which already existed in golus. This idea is explained using 1) the analogy of birth 2) the example of the Avos and Moshe, 3) the Pesukim of this Haftora.

Tzv’aos is a holy name of G-d in the lower worlds.

Yidden’s golus experience enhanced them in 2 ways 1) they had an Aliya, 2) The birur of the sparks in Mitzrayim, thus- Paro sends us from Egypt once the work is done. How one has Shmira from this success and it’s joy being excessive (Plishtim-like). When Moshiach comes there’s no opponent. All will know Him….

This is a Maamar for Parshas Shekalim. It explains that the half shekel represents Mesiras Nefesh (self sacrifice) and Teshuva (return). This insight explains why everyone gives the same amount, only a half shekel, is an atonement for our sins and is “Over al haPekudim” (higher than Torah).