RAV KOOK ON PARSHAT Pinchas PART 2: Appointing a Leader for Israel

Moses was worried. Who would lead the Israelites after his death? "Moses spoke to God, saying, 'Let God... appoint a man over the community.... Let God's community not be like sheep that have no shepherd.' God told Moses, 'Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man of spirit, and lay your hand on him.'" "Moses did as God ordered him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Elazar the kohen and before the entire community. He then laid his hands on him and commissioned him." (Num. 27:15-22) Joshua's appointment to replace Moses was clearly a critical point in the spiritual and political development of the Jewish people. Every aspect of this sensitive transition was significant. We read that God commanded Moses to "lay your hand" on Joshua. The Torah testifies that Moses did as he was commanded. But in fact, Moses placed both of his hands on his disciple. What is the significance of this change?