WHAT’S IN A BLESSING?

When Yaacov came to Lavan, Lavan was very poor. He had no sons. Almost all his sheep had died in a plague, and he could not even afford a shepherd. When Yaacov arrived, Lavan was suddenly blessed with children and he became very rich. When Yaacov left, the blessing left with him, and Lavan became poor again.
Rashi on Beraishis, 30:27
 

FIRST SAILORS

The first sailors in Israel were from the tribe of Zevulun. Both Yaakov and Moshe blessed them to earn great wealth from the sea, which would be the border of their portion in the Land of Israel.
Beraishis, 49:13
 

LIGHTING UP DARKNESS

The fifth night of Chanukah can never occur on a Shabbos. It represents the unique power of Chanukah to light up the darkness even when the darkness is so deep that the light of Shabbos can never shine.
 

PROPHECY MUST BE WITH JOY

During the 22 years that Yosef was a slave in Egypt, Yaacov did not know where he was. Since he was upset, the spirit of prophecy left him. When he found out that Yosef was alive in Egypt, the spirit of prophecy returned.
Rashi on Beraishis,
37:34
 

KINDLING LIGHT

Lighting the Menorah is the only Mitzvah we still do today that actually resembles the Service of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, may it be speedily rebuilt, Amen.