And in this week's Parashah we finally reached the moment where Mosheh Rabinu's career as a leader draws to its close.

He appoints Joshua's his successor, he hands over the challenge to him, he blesses him, and Joshua prepares to lead the people into the land.

And of course God also blesses Joshua.

And we have these two blessings in the one chapter.

But what I want you to see is there is one tiny difference, almost inaudible,

almost invisible, between the blessing that Moses gives Joshua

and the blessing God gives Joshua. Here it is. It says Moses called to Joshua and gave him the

following blessing, "'Hazag there must be strong and courageous because you must go with this people into the land

that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them and you must divide it among them as their

inheritance. That is what Moses says and God blesses Joshua in very similar terms. Be strong

and courageous for you will bring the Israelites into the land.

I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you. That almost inaudible difference between

Atta Thawo and Atta Tavi. Moses says, Tavot, go with them and God says, Tavi, bring them.

And Rashi, with this finely honed ear for nuance, turns this into an entire theory of two types of leadership.

Moses said to Joshua, go with them.

Make sure that the elders of the generation are with you

always act according to their opinion and advice

lead by consensus

bring them with you

God however said

atatavi you must bring them

this is what Rashi says however the holy one

...