Page 650 - BERESHIT

Yaakov’s descent to Egypt led to the Jews being placed under the yoke
of the Egyptians. Why did Hashem begin the galut of Egypt with
Yaakov’s entry? Why did He not allow Yaakov to remain in the land of
his forefathers and die there peacefully?

Yaakov’s presence and illumination of Torah gave Am Yisrael the ability
to remain distinct in their Jewishness for the next two hundred years. The
Jews kept three things which distinguished them as Jews and preserved
their identity.

In the future, the festival of Chanukah will still be observed, even after
the festival of Pesach will be annulled. Why was the triumph of the
Chashmonaim given such an exception?

One who is obligated to fulfill commandments, is greatly rewarded for his
efforts to combat the Yetzer Hara, who tries to prevent him from fulfilling
his duties. The Jews in the days of the Greeks were under tremendous
influence to assimilate. The merit of Torah that the Chashmonaim had was
extremely prized by Hashem, much more than the learning done in the
galut in Egypt.