Yehoshua gave everything up in order to be in the tent of Torah. As a result, he earned the position as Moshe Rabbeinu’s primary disciple and eventual successor.
Many believe that leadership is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. In Torah, however, leadership goes far deeper. Torah leaders are those who have proven themselves worthy of such responsibility – a position that can only be earned through dedication to, and toil in, Torah. It is cultivated in the bais hamedrash, through long hours of study, presence, and commitment, not by worldly acumen or ambition. Yehoshua never left the bais hamedrash, for, as much as he longed to be with his Rebbe, he understood that true growth and mastery require the steadfast discipline of being present in Torah study.
The Torah indicates that Yehoshua had two qualities: he was meshorso, Moshe’s servant, and lo yamush mitoch ha’ohel, he would not depart from the tent (unless, of course, Moshe needed him). Chazal (Menachos 99B) teach that, when Hashem saw how important words of Torah were to Yehoshua, such that he never left the tent, he declared, “Yehoshua! The Torah is so chaviv, beloved, to you; (therefore), this sefer Torah will never leave your mouth.”
Horav Shmuel HaLevi Wosner, zl, was known for his unprecedented brilliance in Torah and halachah. Unquestionably, he had a superior mind, but then so many people with exceptional capabilities never even scratch the surface of Torah greatness. It all began with Rav Wosner’s acceptance (or rejection) into Horav Meir Shapiro’s premier yeshivah, Chachmei Lublin. To gain entrance into the yeshivah, prospective students were expected to be proficient in 400 blatt gemora – by heart. Young Rav Wosner just didn’t have that background, and, as a result, the Mashgiach of the yeshivah denied him entrance. Despite being rejected, Rav Wosner refused to give up. Since he still had a few hours before his return train to Vienna, he chose to occupy himself with Torah study, rather than go home disappointed.
Rav Meir Shapiro chanced upon this young bochur studying in the bais ha’medrash. The Rosh Yeshivah asked when his interview was. He explained that it had already occurred and he had been turned down. The Rosh Yeshivah was so impressed with his persistence – learning Torah instead of feeling sorry for himself – he decided to accept him on the spot: “If this is your attitude, I want you as my student.” Acceptance in the yeshivah was not only about prior knowledge, but also about character, dedication and a willingness to learn. When one thirsts for Torah, he can turn rejection into an opportunity for growth. Indeed, Rav Wosner related that he regularly went to a particular tree (secluded spot) near the yeshivah to daven and cry out to Hashem, “pleading with rivers of tears,” to crown me with the Kesser Torah – Crown of Torah.
