  The $\Lambda N - \Sigma N$ coupling in $\Lambda$--hypernuclei and $\Lambda
\Lambda - \Xi N$ coupling in $\Lambda \Lambda$--hypernuclei produce novel
physics not observed in the conventional, nonstrange sector. Effects of
$\Lambda \leftrightarrow \Sigma$ conversion in $^3_{\Lambda}$H are reviewed.
The role of $\Lambda N - \Sigma N$ coupling suppression in the $A=4,5$
$\Lambda$--hypernuclei due to Pauli blocking is highlighted, and the
implications for the structure of $^{10}_{\;\, \Lambda}$B are explored.
Suppression of $\Lambda \Lambda - \Xi N$ conversion in $^{\;\;\, 6}_{\Lambda
\Lambda}$He is hypothesized as the reason that the $< V_{\Lambda \Lambda} >$
matrix element is small. Measurement of $^{\;\;\, 4}_{\Lambda \Lambda}$H is
proposed to investigate the full $\Lambda \Lambda - \Xi N$ interaction. The
implication for $\Lambda \Lambda$ analog states is discussed.
