Simply, this means that Yehoshua had achieved the pinnacle of distinction, the apex of wisdom, as a result of the spiritual generosity of his quintessential Rebbe, Moshe Rabbeinu. How does one demonstrate his gratitude to such a Rebbe? How does a student pay back a Rebbe who has devoted himself to his utmost care, to developing him and bringing him to such a position of distinction? In Yehoshua’s case, it was almost impossible, since as soon as Moshe transferred the reins of leadership to Yehoshua – Moshe died. How could Yehoshua ever show his gratitude to Moshe? How do we show our gratitude to our rebbeim who (in some cases) have given a part of their lives to educate and bring us to where we stand today?
This question was posed to Horav Yoel Bukspan, Shlita, Mashgiach Ruchni of Yeshivas Karlin-Stolin, Yerushalayim. His response is compelling and something we should all keep in mind, take to heart, review and do. He explains that when one lends his fellow one hundred dollars – he owes him a definitive amount in return: in this case, one hundred dollars. (Veritably, I feel that while he owes him a specific sum of money, his obligation of gratitude should extend to what that money was able to achieve for him. In other words, the value of that money quite possibly exceeds the actual sum.) With regard to ruchniyos, spirituality, no cap exists on the benefit quotient. We cannot estimate the value of spiritual benefit in earthly terms, because we have no idea of the myriad benefits that accrue over time as a result of one spiritual favor.
Thus, when a rebbe devotes himself to his talmid, student, inspires him, changes his life – there is only one way that the talmid can repay his rebbe: by continuing to do for others what his rebbe did for him. Moshe Rabbeinu created students, of which Yehoshua was his primary disciple. Yehoshua would now follow suit and establish his own following. This is the way that he demonstrated his gratitude to his Rebbe, Moshe.
