Let’s dive into a fascinating passage from Devarim Rabbah that explores this very idea, using the example of Moses himself.

The passage opens with a question drawn from the Psalms (24:3): “Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who will stand in His holy place?” The Rabbis, in their insightful way, see this verse as referring directly to Moses. Why? Because, as it says in Exodus (19:3), "Moses ascended to God..." He literally ascended the mountain! And the connection to standing in a holy place? That comes from the burning bush episode in Exodus (3:5), where God tells Moses, "As the place upon which you are standing is sacred ground." It all fits together beautifully, doesn't it?

But it's not just about physical proximity to God. The passage goes on to explore the qualities that allow someone to truly be in God's presence. "One who has clean hands," the Psalm continues (24:4). Where do we see this in Moses? The text points us to Numbers (16:15), where Moses declares, "Not one donkey did I take from them..." He was incorruptible, his hands clean.

And then there's the "pure heart" (Psalms 24:4). This is where it gets really interesting. Rabbi Yitzḥak points out that even an ordinary person would be ashamed to speak to God the way Moses did. Remember when Moses pleaded with God after the golden calf incident? "Lord, why will your wrath be enflamed against your people?" (Exodus 32:11). Rabbi Yitzḥak suggests it might seem audacious, even insulting. But, the text emphasizes, Moses' heart was pure; he wasn't arguing for his own sake, but for the sake of Israel.

The Psalm continues, "Who has not raised his soul for naught" (Psalms 24:4). Here, the Rabbis interpret this as referring to the soul of the Egyptian that Moses killed. He didn't take that life lightly or without justification; he acted to save another. It was a weighty decision, not a frivolous one.

And finally, "Nor taken an oath deceitfully" (Psalms 24:4). This is linked to the verse in Exodus (2:21): "Moses decided [vayoel] to live with the man." The Hebrew word vayoel is interpreted as "took an oath," based on its connection to the word ala, meaning oath. Moses kept his word, his commitments were true.

So, what's the reward for all this? "He will receive [yisa] a blessing from the Lord" (Psalms 24:5). But Rabbi Tanḥuma offers a profound twist. He suggests we read yisa not as "he will receive," but as yasi – "he will transmit." Moses, in his purity and dedication, doesn't just receive a blessing; he becomes a conduit for blessing to others.

Isn't that a powerful idea? It challenges us to think about blessings not just as something we get, but as something we give. That the more we strive for purity of heart and action, the more we become vessels for blessing in the world. What does it mean for you to transmit a blessing today? How can you be a conduit of goodness for those around you? Perhaps the answer lies in emulating the qualities we see in Moses: clean hands, a pure heart, righteous action, and unwavering commitment.