Latest update: May 23rd, 2013 “And you shall remember that
Hashem…is the One who gives you the strength to amass this
wealth.” – Devarim 8:18 Historically, one of man’s greatest
shortcomings has been taking credit for Hashem’s work. Only too
often does a man find success and, in his arrogance, feel his
power and his might created his empire. The Torah warns us,
Remember: it was Hashem who brought all this to be. While this
may sound like a straightforward concept, the Targum adds an
intriguing twist. He defines the words, “Hashem gave you the
strength,” as “Hashem gave you the advice to acquire that
merchandise.” In other words, if you take credit for prosperity,
remember that Hashem gave you the counsel that led to it. This
Targum is difficult to understand. The role of Targum is pshat –
straightforward meaning. The Torah said, “Remember that Hashem
gave you the strength to make this wealth.” But it is far more
than advice that Hashem gives. Hashem created the heavens and
the earth. Hashem wrote the laws of