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Beit Midrash
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The gemara (Shvuot 39a) seems to be in line with our practice. Rabbi Elazar is troubled by the apparent contradiction on whether Hashem does or does not cleanse, and says that He does cleanse those who repent and does not cleanse those who do not repent. In the Ten Commandments (Shemot 20:6) we are told that specifically if one sinned by saying Hashem’s Name in vain, he is not cleansed even if he repents. Rabbi Akiva (Sifrei Zuta 6) also says that the cleansing is possible only at certain times, saying that He cleanses in matters between man and Hashem but not in matters between man and his fellow man.
However, in aggadic midrash (Vayikra Rabba, Emor 29), we see that even lo yenakeh can be seen as a matter of mercy. The midrash says that lo anakecha (as found in Yirmiyah 30:11) refers to not having Bnei Yisrael cease, as Hashem will suffice with yisurin (afflictions) in this world so that they can prosper in the world to come. The Meiri (Rosh Hashana 17a) cites the explanation that nakeh lo yenakeh is one idea, that Hashem will not wipe the people out. He is bothered by the fact that we do not have the congregation read the whole pasuk, as according to this explanation it is all a matter of mercy. Rashi (1st explanation) says that it is a little of both, in that Hashem will not totally wipe the slate clean but on the other hand will give punishment only in small installments.
The Abarbanel sees it as two different but related attributes. If one has many virtues but also some sins, Hashem will look at the majority and cleanse the sins. On the other hand, if one has mainly sins, Hashem will not use the sins as a reason to destroy the person. In other words, the same root word is being used with two different meanings even though the two appearances are found in direct succession. Once it means cleansing and once it means [not] uprooting.
The Tzitz Eliezer (XII, 33) cites a beautiful idea from the Ari in regard to our pasuk, linking it to a famous mishna in Avot: "Do not look at the קנקן but at what is in it." The words נקה and ינקה both have the letters קנ and besides that have the letters that spell out Hashem’s Name of Mercy. Thus we say not to look at the קנקן but at Hashem’s Name of Mercy that accompanies it.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.