The Torah gives us a powerful example in the story of Moses and Joshua.
We find ourselves in the book of Numbers, Bamidbar, specifically chapter 27. God has commanded Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. Now, think about this for a moment. Moses, the leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt, who received the Torah at Sinai, is now tasked with handing over the reins. How does he do it?
The verse (Bamidbar 27:22) tells us, "And Moses did as the L-rd commanded him." But it's the commentary on this verse in Sifrei Bamidbar that truly illuminates the moment. It wasn't just obedience; it was obedience with joy. Moses felt no regret that this honor wasn't bestowed upon his own sons or nephews. Imagine that level of selflessness!
And it gets even more beautiful. The text continues, "and he 'took' Joshua." But this "taking" wasn't a mere physical act. According to Sifrei Bamidbar, Moses "took" Joshua with words, sharing with him the reward awaiting the leaders of Israel in the world to come. He prepared Joshua not just for the earthly task of leadership, but for his eternal reward. What an incredible gift to give someone!
The next verse (Bamidbar 27:23) says, "And he placed his hands upon him." This wasn't just a symbolic gesture either. Sifrei Bamidbar interprets this as Moses making Joshua "an overflowing vessel of Torah." He was imbuing him with knowledge and wisdom, preparing him to lead the people according to God's law. This idea of being an "overflowing vessel" reminds me of the proverb, "the watcher of the fig-tree will eat its fruit," meaning that diligent study and dedication to Torah will yield its own sweet rewards.
Think about Joshua’s dedication. As we learn in Exodus (33:11), "And his attendant, Joshua the son of Nun, a youth, did not depart from the midst of the tent," and similarly in Joshua (1:8), "this book of the Torah shall not depart from your mouth." Sifrei Bamidbar makes a powerful point: if Joshua, who was already so dedicated, never strayed from the Torah, how much more so should everyone else strive to remain connected to it? If someone already filled with the spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9) felt the need to constantly immerse himself in Torah, then it is certainly a lesson to us all.
The text emphasizes that Moses commanded Joshua with the same joy that God commanded Moses. There was a seamless transfer of leadership, guided by divine will and fueled by genuine happiness.
But here's a question that might arise: Did Moses's abilities wane as he aged? The Torah anticipates this concern, telling us in Deuteronomy (34:7) that "Moses was a hundred and twenty years old in his death. His eye had not dimmed...and his strength had not abated." This wasn't just about physical strength; it was about his unwavering clarity in discerning between right and wrong, clean and unclean, permitted and forbidden. He never lost his ability to toil in Torah.
So, what can we take away from this story? It's not just about succession; it's about the spirit in which we approach it. It’s about passing on our knowledge and wisdom with joy, without regret, and with the genuine desire to see the next generation succeed. It's about recognizing that true leadership isn't about clinging to power, but about empowering others to carry the torch forward, ensuring the light of Torah continues to shine brightly for generations to come.