אין בטובה למעלה מענג ואין ברעה למטה מנגע (ספר יצירה ב, ד)
There is nothing in good higher than Delight (ONeG)
There is nothing in evil lower than Plague (NeGA).
Two ways of recognizing G-d’s Providence, which in turn leads a person to do Teshuvah.
One path is through plagues or suffering. This brings a person to the realization that HaShem runs the world, and we must review our actions for misdeeds.
The other path is to perceive G-d’s greatness through appreciation of His Goodness. What is this path?
שהנגע כולו הפך לבן – טהור הוא
When a person does Teshuvah then the נבל is turned to לבן then the sin is cleansed
(Oneg associated with “Shabbos” and Atzeres associated with “Yom Tov”)
Shabbos and Yom-Tov are called “Mikra’ei Kodesh”, precisely since they serve as a call to come closer to HaShem. Shabbos and Yom Tov are the contrast to the plague of Tzara’as.
Tzara’as represents the absence of G-dliness. Shabbos and Yom-Tov open one’s heard and eyes to G-d.
If we are affected by the holiness and simchah of Shabbos and Yom Tov to do Teshuvah, we do not need the alternative “medicine” of plagues or suffering.
נגע turns around ענג
צרעת turns around עצרת
