When Moshe stood at the burning bush and asked Hashem what name he should convey to the Jewish people, Hashem revealed Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh—“I Will Be as I Will Be.” This name is far more than a simple declaration of Hashem’s essence; it encapsulates the unique, dynamic relationship between Hashem and His people. It signifies that Hashem’s presence and actions are not fixed but are directly responsive to the spiritual efforts of the Jewish people. “I will be with you as you will be with Me” captures the essence of this reciprocal relationship, where Hashem’s engagement is awakened by our willingness to turn toward Him, even in moments of spiritual weakness.

Rav Tzadok draws on a midrash that offers a profound insight into this idea. The midrash interprets Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh as a reflection of Hashem’s reciprocal bond with His people: if they display emunah (faith), bitachon (trust), and acts of charity, Hashem will respond with His blessings and redemption. However, this understanding raises a question: the verse itself seems to refer exclusively to Hashem—how can the midrash derive this reciprocal relationship from these words?

To resolve this, Rav Tzadok explains that the verse reveals a fundamental principle of spiritual reciprocity. Hashem’s actions mirror our own; His ehyeh (presence) is a direct response to our ehyeh (faith and connection). Thus, while the verse may appear to describe Hashem’s independent nature, it carries a deeper message: redemption begins when the Jewish people awaken their hearts and reconnect with Him. Hashem responds to their efforts by drawing close and fulfilling His promises.

This concept ties seamlessly into the second midrash, which speaks of pakod pakadti (“I have surely remembered”), a phrase passed down from Yosef as a sign of redemption. This tradition was not merely a reassurance of Hashem’s remembrance but a means of sparking the people’s spiritual awakening. When Moshe uttered pakod pakadti, it activated the people’s dormant emunah and bitachon, preparing them to receive Hashem’s redemption. The connection between the two midrashim becomes clear: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh teaches that Hashem acts in response to the people’s spiritual efforts, and pakod pakadti shows how Hashem’s remembrance awakens their capacity for faith, allowing them to complete the cycle of reciprocity.

Through this lens, the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people is one of partnership. Hashem does not impose redemption unilaterally; He initiates the process by inspiring our hearts, but He expects us to respond with faith, trust, and action. Even when we feel unworthy, Hashem reaches out to awaken us, but it is our efforts that bring His blessings to fruition. Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh reminds us that Hashem’s love and presence are always accessible, but they depend on our willingness to engage with Him. By turning toward Hashem, we activate this reciprocal bond, creating a relationship rooted in mutual connection, spiritual growth, and boundless compassion.

NOTE: The above is a summary based on the original teaching.