Parshat Beshalach records the song that the Jews sang as they escaped the final Egyptian threat and walked across the sea to safety. The second line of the song says that “this is my G-d ‘Ve’anvehu’” (15:2). Rashi (commentator) says ‘Ve’anvehu’ could mean “I will dwell with Him,” or “I will beautify him.” Yet another translation from the Gemara (Shabbos 133) is that it combines two words, “ani” and “ve’hu.” meaning that we are one with G-d by imitating Him. So which is the correct meaning of the word? Also, being that this is the beginning of the song as well as a reasonably famous phrase that we repeat in davening (prayers) regularly, shouldn’t the translation of the words be clear?
Rabbi Yochanan Zweig explains that healthy relationships require respect and appreciation. Deeming something beautiful creates a healthy reverence, and works to preserve that affinity. Our question now becomes its answer, as all these elements of the word are vital in protecting not only our relationship with G-d but is a framework for maintaining relationships between people. To imitate and admire the qualities of a loved one is to be as one with them, allowing their beauty to shine, and appreciating our proximity to their greatest attributes.
