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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.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
