Page 554 - BERESHIT

The Midrash explains that the pasuk “The mandrakes yield fragrance, and
on our doorstep lies every delight” refers to Reuven who saved Yosef, as
well as the Chanukah candles. What is the connection between these two
seemingly unrelated ideas?

Reuven displayed restraint by giving his mother the mandrakes. Later on,
though, Reuven removed Yaakov’s couch from the tent of Bilhah and
placed it in the tent of his mother Leah. Yaakov rebuked Reuven for his
rash action and the failure to exercise the same middah of self-control as
he had shown previously.

And on our doorstep lies every delight” is a reference to mitzvot in
general. They are symbolized by the Chanukah lights, which we use to
surround our doorways with mitzvot, and fulfill the principle that we
‘ascend’ in all holy endeavors. The menorah thus signifies our mitzvah
performance which increases with time and perseverance.