The relationship between Yehoshua, the disciple, and Moshe, the rebbe, serves as the paradigm of a rebbe-talmid relationship. Yehoshua’s constant attachment to his Rebbe, symbolized by the fact that he never allowed even one word of Torah to escape unheard, was a basic reason for his advancement to Am Yisrael’s leadership. His faithfulness and devotion were exemplary; his commitment and diligence were unprecedented.
The Talmud in Bava Basra 75a relates that when Yehoshua succeeded Moshe, the elders of the generation remarked, “The face of Moshe was like the sun, while the face of Yehoshua was like the moon.” Most commentators interpret Chazal’s statement to be derogatory towards Yehoshua. He was unable to supplant Moshe in leadership and glory. The Chofetz Chaim, however, suggests a different approach to understanding this Chazal. Although Yehoshua’s luster paled in Moshe’s shadow, the elders realized that Yehoshua reflected Moshe’s brilliance on a lesser level. Just as the moon reflects the sun’s brightness, so, too, Yehoshua simulated Moshe’s luster. We may derive from here an important lesson. A student should aspire to captivate his rebbe’s teachings and personality, so that the student reflects his rebbe’s character with his very nature.
