The Chasam Sofer offers extraordinary commentary on the final years of Yaakov Avinu's life, the seventeen blissful years he spent in Mitzrayim with his children and grandchildren. Each day that Yaakov lived, says the Chasam Sofer, is correspondent to one year of the world, which we are told will stand for 6000 years before Acharis Hayomim. Therefore, the days that Yaakov lived literally served to strengthen the years of Klall Yisrael. In the words of the Pasuk: 'Vayehi Yemei Yaakov" - the days of Yaakov - "Shenei Chayav" - became his years.
Let's do the math on that: The (lunar) year has 354 days. Multiply that by the 17 years of Yaakov, and the result is 6018. Add in the extra days that result from leap years during that span, and that number will increase to 6198. 6000 of those days correspond directly to the 6000 years of the world. But what of the remaining 198?
If we count back 198 days from the time of Yaakov's death we arrive at Chof Gimmel (23) Adar. This is when the 6000 days of his time in Mitzrayim ended. According to the Chasam Sofer's analogy, this is the time that directly corresponded to the 6000 years of the world. Following 6000 years, the world will move on to a time of Olam Habah; so too, following Yaakov's 6000 days, he entered a state of Olam Habah. Eight days after the 6000th day, 23 Adar, was Rosh Chodesh Nissan, when the Chanukas Hamishkan took place. The Pasuk hints to this by referring to the day of the Chanukas Hamishkan as "Yom Hashmini." Eight is also the number of days of Sukkos, when Yaakov was Niftar. Those days correspond to the eight days of Chanukah, as we are told by the Gemarah.
The events of Chanukas Hamishkan, and the Nes of Chanukah are directly related to the days of Yaakov. Both these events symbolized light, the victory of Torah, and the glory and rebirth of our holiest places: the Mishkan and the Bais Hamikdash.
Yaakov Avinu experienced many difficult years. The 6000 years of the world prior to Acharis Hayomim are dark and difficult. The 6000 days of Yaakov in Mitzrayim symbolized this period, and served to strengthen Klall Yisrael during long periods of Galus. Just as Yaakov dark times led to days of extraordinary light, so too will we experience miracles of light and the ultimate victory of Torah following our own difficulties. Yaakov's suffering served to open doors for us. Just as his unfailing faith led him to the long days of Olam Habah, concludes the Chasam Sofer, so too will our unwavering faith in Hashem lead us to the long days of Olam Habah and the ultimate redemption.
