Reflecting Moses

When Moses pleaded, before his death, for G-d to appoint a new leader over the people, G-d commanded him to take his disciple, Joshua, "and put of your glory upon him". Moses puts his hands upon Joshua, ordaining him as the new leader (Numbers 27:15-23) and Joshua is "filled with the spirit of Wisdom" (Deuteronomy 34:9). The rabbis say: "The face of Moses was like the Sun, the face of Joshua like the Moon". What does this mean? As we know, the Moon has no light of its own, it reflects the light of the Sun. Joshua received of the light of Moses, and reflected that light into the next generation. Joshua continues to lead the people, conquering the Land of Israel, and merits many miracles being performed through him. Yet, we refer to Moses as "Moshe Rabbenu" (Moses our Master). We never refer to Joshua with that title. Rather, Joshua carries Moses into the next generation. Joshua has the great honor of reflecting the greatest prophet..One doesn't need to become great in order to impact the world. One needs "merely" to reflect greatness. By studying G-d's Torah, and performing His Mitzvot (commandments), we, too, can reflect Moses.