Everything is connected to Moshiach and the Redemption. In fact, the Rebbe states clearly that it is natural for a person who is involved every day in yearning for the coming of Moshiach to look for a connection to Moshiach's coming in every event he encounters.
Since we are now in the days of Chanuka it is appropriate to look at the Festival of Lights with "Moshiach eyes." The Chanuka miracle took place in the Holy Temple, its celebration arouses a greater yearning for the time when the Menora will be kindled again in the Third Holy Temple.
Similarly, there is a connection between the above and this week's Torah portion, Mikeitz. When we hear the name Mikeitz - because we are constantly yearning for Moshiach's coming - we immediately associate it with the word "keitz" (meaning, "the end") which refers to the time for Moshiach's coming.
Also on Shabbat, when the Haftorah will be read and we will hear the vision for the Menora mentioned, we once again immediately associate it with the Menora of the Holy Temple.
So when we light the Menora let us envision ourselves watching the lighting of the rededicated Menora in the Third and Eternal Holy Temple. And as The Baal Shem Tov taught, "In the place where a person wants to be, that is where he will be found." May we all be found together in the Holy Temple this Chanuka!
Candle lighting time for L.A. is 4:28pm
This Friday night we light all eight candles for Chanuka! We light the menorah before lighting the Shabbat candles. (The Friday night Chanukah candles must burn for at least 1½ hours—so you may need more oil or larger candles.)
Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach!
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