REFLECTIONS ON PARSHAT EKEV 5786 – THE STRENGTH TO ACHIEVE

בס”ד

Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!

Some thoughts about Parshat Ekev

“You shall remember the L-rd your G-d, for it is He who gives you the strength to acquire wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Success can be spiritually dangerous. After years of hard work, careful planning, and wise decisions, it is easy to conclude that our accomplishments are entirely our own. Moses warns Israel against precisely this temptation: “My strength and the might of my hand have produced this wealth for me.” Instead, he commands, “You shall remember the L-rd your G-d, for it is He who gives you the strength to acquire wealth.”

Notice what Moses does—and does not—say. He does not say that G-d simply places wealth into our hands. Rather, He gives us the strength to acquire it. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that this “strength” includes everything that makes accomplishment possible: our intelligence, skills, judgment, creativity, perseverance, physical and mental health, and even the opportunities and circumstances that allow our efforts to succeed. None of these ultimately originate with us. Every ability is a gift entrusted to us by G-d.

This truth guards us against pride. Whatever we accomplish, we can never honestly say, “I alone achieved this.” Even our capacity to work, think, create, and persevere comes from the Creator.

Yet this truth also guards us against another error: false humility. Sometimes people imagine that faith means thinking small or avoiding ambitious goals. But if G-d has entrusted us with gifts, He expects us to use them. Intelligence is meant to solve problems. Creativity is meant to build. Strength is meant to serve. Wisdom is meant to benefit others. We honor the Giver not by burying His gifts, but by developing them faithfully.

For Noahides, this is an important principle. G-d created humanity to cultivate the world, establish justice, build families and communities, and bring blessing to others. These responsibilities require initiative, diligence, and courage. We should never boast in our achievements, but neither should we shrink from worthy endeavors out of fear or misplaced modesty.

True humility is not saying, “I can do nothing.” It is recognizing that whatever we are able to accomplish has been entrusted to us by G-d. The righteous therefore work diligently, pursue worthwhile goals courageously, and give thanks continually, remembering that every success begins with the One who gives the strength to accomplish it.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

Why does Moses emphasize that G-d gives us the strength to acquire wealth rather than simply saying that G-d gives us wealth?
Which of your own abilities—such as intelligence, health, perseverance, or opportunity—have you sometimes taken for granted rather than recognized as gifts from G-d?
How can remembering that your abilities come from G-d protect you from both pride and discouragement?
Are there gifts or talents that you have not fully developed? What might faithful stewardship of those gifts look like?
How can your work, profession, or personal ambitions become a way of honoring the One who gave you the ability to pursue them?

Shabbat Shalom

By Rabbi Tani Burton

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