Psalm 100:3 declares, "Know that the Lord is God." But it's the next part that really sparked their interest: "He made us, and we are His" (Psalm 100:3). Or is it? See, the Hebrew word usually translated as "and not" – velo (ולא) – is spelled in the text with an aleph (א), but traditionally read as if it were spelled with a vav (ו) – which would change the meaning to "and to Him."

Rabbi Yehuda bar Simon, in Bereshit Rabbah 100, seizes on the written spelling. "Know that the Lord is God," he says, "He made us, and we did not create ourselves." He contrasts this with the arrogance of Pharaoh, who famously boasted, "My Nile is my own; I made it for myself" (Ezekiel 29:3). It’s a powerful reminder to stay humble.

But Rabbi Aḥa takes a different approach, focusing on the way the word is traditionally read. He interprets the verse as, "Know that the Lord is God, He made us, and to Him we devote ourselves.” It's not just about acknowledging God as our creator, but about dedicating our lives to serving Him. Two slightly different readings of the same word, leading to two profoundly different understandings of our relationship with the Divine. Isn't that amazing?

The Midrash then shifts its focus to the death of Jacob, a pivotal moment in Genesis. "Jacob concluded commanding his sons, he drew his feet to the bed, and he expired, and he was gathered to his people" (Genesis 49:33). Bereshit Rabbah sees significance in the phrase “Jacob concluded commanding his sons.” It highlights three specific commands that Jacob gave.

What were these commands? Well, the first, found in Genesis 49:29, is “He commanded them and said to them: I am to be gathered to my people.” The Midrash interprets this as Jacob saying, "If you merit it – if you live righteous lives – you will merit me." Meaning, I will always be with you in spirit. But, if you don't? Then, "when I depart from the world, I will go to my fathers."

It's a conditional blessing, a plea for his sons to uphold his values and keep him close through their actions. And how did they respond? "His sons did to him just as he commanded them" (Genesis 50:12). They honored his wishes, embalming him and carrying him to Canaan for burial. They fulfilled their part of the covenant.

So, what do we take away from all this? Perhaps it's a reminder to consider our own legacy. What commands, what values, are we passing on to the next generation? And are we living in a way that honors the source of our being, whether we emphasize gratitude for creation or dedication to a higher purpose?