11. Rani ViSimchi Bas Tziyon 5735 (1st of a Hemshech)

11. Rani ViSimchi Bas Tziyon 5735 (1st of a Hemshech).
A (relatively short) Ma’amar that explains the notion of Chanukah beginning after dark.
On the one jand this denotes the dire condition of the Jewish People then, not-withstanding that the Beis HaMikdash was standing, it was night and dark spiritually. This allowed the Syrian Greeks to do what they did to the Yidden and the Beis HaMikdash.
The other side of darkness, however, is the light that shines in the darkness, and it’s advantages.
The idea of ירידה צורך עלי’ה is developed here. Only on this, the lowest, level is the idea of ascent truly actual.