Ner Mitzvah 1 - The 4 Golios 1 by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe In the beginning of the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah on Chanukah, he starts with a discussion about the four Malchiyos (Kingdoms)/ the four Golios(Exiles). These four Golios were part of the plan of the world since creation, and take over when Klal Yisroel do not shine as brightly as they should. Four represents disunity, as seen in many places in the Torah. These four exiles cause a setback in the perfection of the world, which will be achieved when Klal Yisroel is unified in purpose and can successfully and completely bring Hashem into the creation.

Ner Mitzvah 2 - The 4 Golios 2 by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue a discussion in the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah on Chanukah with exploring the four malchiyos (kingdoms) and their likenesses as portrayed in the dream of Daniel and the dream of Nevuchadnezzar. In Daniel's dream, the 4 kingdoms appear as animals arising from the sea, one, a lion with eagle's wings; two, a bear-like creature; three, a leopard; and four, an indescribable monster. In Nevuchadnezzar’s dream, the four are portrayed as parts of the human body: a head of gold, chest of silver, stomach and thighs of copper, and legs of iron. The Maharal discusses each of these as they relate to one of the four kingdoms, with particular emphasis on Yavan (Greece) as the leopard of copper with the power of intellect, opposing the Divinity in Torah wisdom.

Ner Mitzvah 3 - Golus Edom by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue in the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah on Chanukah with an explanation of Golus Edom, the final and most monstrous exile. The Romans are compared to a snake, which destroys just for the sake of destruction. This is characteristic of Edom-they are attached to loss and destruction, including their own. With this destructive nature, they do not value anything, starting from their own selves. As the final Golus, one of complete destruction, they will not pass on the kingdom to anyone else; rather, the destruction of the physical will allow for the renewal of Hashem's kingdom in the world.

Ner Mitzvah 4 - Golus Yishmael by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue in the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah on Chanukah with an explanation of Yishmoel and his status, since he is not counted amongst the 4 malchiyos (kingdoms). Yishmoel has individual koach (strength) that he received in his own right as a descendant of Avraham, unlike the other kingdoms, who usurped the kingdom of the Jewish people. Esav's destiny is intertwined with Yisroel's-when one is up, the other is down. However, if Yishmoel repents, he can coexist with Bnei Yisroel, as he does not have the quality of malchus (royalty).

Ner Mitzvah 5 - The Miracle of Chanukah by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue in the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah, beginning a discussion specifically about Chanukah and the power of the Yevonim (Greeks) representing worldly wisdom. The Greeks wanted to destroy the Divine element of the Torah and of the Beis Hamikdash(the Holy Temple). Our main focus on Chanukah is the miracle of the oil and lighting the candles, not on winning the battle. The Yevonim wanted to destroy our mitzvos and our connection with Hashem, so we celebrate with the mitzvah and the fact that our Torah, together with our elevated, spiritual existence, was saved.

Ner Mitzvah 6 - The Light of the Chanukah Season by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe The Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah continues with a discussion about specific halachos (laws) of Chanukah and their significance. The fact the Chanukah takes place on the 25th day of Kislev is no coincidence, as it coincides with the time of year when the day begins to get longer and the light increases. Light symbolizes energy and potential, and is a metaphor for Hashem's presence in the world, emanating from the Beis Hamikdash. Chanukah is the time of the beginning of the glimmers of light and its emergence in the Beis Hamikdash. The Maharal explains important halachic points regarding the use of oil to light the menorah and the timing of the lighting. The philosophical components of his halachic discussion reiterate the significance of the nes (miracle) of the light of Chanukah.

Ner Mitzvah 7 - The Rewards of Lighting Candles by Hauer, Rabbi Moshe We continue in the Maharal's Sefer Ner Mitzvah with his interpretation of a statement in the Gemara. The Gemara discusses the reward for 4 mitzvos: ner (lighting Shabbos and Chanukah candles), mezuzah, tzitzis, and Kiddush. The Maharal draws a parallel to the 4 stages of a person's life-in this world, the world to come, the resurrection of the dead, and in Olam Habah (the world to come) afterwards. He explains how the reward for each one: children who are Torah scholars, a nice house, nice clothing, and flasks of wine, respectively, each have a deeper significance and meaning in accordance with the stage of life that they represent. The Maharal concludes with strong statements against assimilation, encouraging us to preserve the sanctity and Divine element that sets us apart, and that the Greeks fought to destroy.