In fact, the Sifrei Devarim, a collection of early legal midrashim on the book of Deuteronomy, highlights this idea beautifully. It all starts with the verse in Numbers (Bamidbar 27:18) where G-d tells Moses to "take" Joshua as his successor: "And the L-rd said to Moses: Take ("kach") for yourself Joshua the son of Nun..."
But why "kach"—take? The Sifrei Devarim sees something profound in that word. "Kach," it says, implies seizing, acquiring something with effort because, as the text so wisely observes, "a friend is acquired only with great difficulty."
Think about that for a moment. True friendship isn't just stumbled upon; it's cultivated, nurtured, and actively sought.
So, what makes a friendship worth all that effort? The Sages, quoted in the Sifrei Devarim, provide a beautiful list: "One should acquire a friend for himself to learn Scripture with him, to learn Mishnah with him, to eat with him, to drink with him, and to tell his secrets to him." It's about shared learning, shared experiences, and shared vulnerability. It's about building a bond that strengthens both of you.
And the wisdom of this approach? It's echoed in Ecclesiastes (Kohelet 4:9): "Two are better than one… and the three-fold cord is not soon sundered." There's strength in numbers, sure, but also a deeper, more resilient bond when multiple elements intertwine.
But the relationship between Moses and Joshua is more than just friendship; it's about mentorship and the passing of the torch. How does Moses ensure a smooth transition of leadership?
The Sifrei Devarim offers two fascinating interpretations. The first suggests that the Holy Spirit instructed Moses to set up Joshua as an interpreter, having him "ask, expound, and teach rulings" while Moses was still alive. This way, the Israelites wouldn't later dismiss Joshua, saying, "In the lifetime of your teacher you did not speak, and now you (suddenly) speak?" It’s about validating Joshua's authority and preparing the people to accept his leadership.
The second interpretation is even more vivid: Moses physically lifted Joshua up and placed him between his knees, so that both Moses and all of Israel could hear Joshua's voice. Imagine that scene – Moses, the towering figure, literally elevating his student, giving him a platform, amplifying his voice.
Both interpretations underscore the importance of a seamless transition, ensuring that the teachings of the Torah would continue uninterrupted. And it all culminates in the powerful declaration: "Blessed is the L-rd, who gave Torah to Israel by the hand of Moses our teacher." It's a testament to Moses's leadership, but also to his wisdom in preparing the next generation.
What does this all mean for us today? Perhaps it’s a reminder to cherish our friendships, to invest in them, and to recognize the profound impact they have on our lives. And maybe it’s also a call to consider how we can mentor and uplift others, ensuring that wisdom and knowledge are passed down through generations. After all, aren’t we all, in some way, students and teachers at the same time?