Boaz and Ruth

As a convert to Judaism, one who came from a foreign people to pursue a Jewish way of life, Ruth is also exemplary. Despite Naomi's warning to her that she might never be able to remarry and pursue a "normal" life, Ruth decides to leave her home, her culture and her security to join the Jewish people. She cannot expect even a reasonably comfortable existence - just drudgery with her impoverished mother-in-law. Her purity of purpose was rewarded by her achievement of a key place within Jewish history: Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David, and as such, a chain in the link leading to the Messiah.

Ruth, as the ultimate convert, is a fitting inspiration for Shavuot. Just as she sought to come close to God by embracing the Torah and life as part of the Jewish people, with no ulterior motives, so too can we be inspired to renew our commitment to the Jewish people and the Torah.

The Book of Ruth is found in the third main division of the Bible, Ketuvim (Writings). The book was once preserved on parchment and thus came to be known by its Hebrew name of Megillat Ruth, the Scroll of Ruth.

Set in the period of the Judges, it tells the story of a Moabite girl who adopts the faith and land of the Jews during the harvest season in Bethlehem. Ruth's gentle and considerate behavior towards her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, attracts the attention of Boaz, the leader of the generation, who eventually marries her. The child born of their union is Oved, the grandfather of David.

Traditionally, Shavuot is the day that King David was born, and died. The Book of Ruth concludes and establishes the pedigree of David, who was the eventual product of the union between Ruth and Boaz. David is the beginning of the line of kings in Israel leading to the Messiah. The outcome of Boaz and Ruth's union attests to their personal greatness as well as the magnitude of the reward for deeds of kindness and the degree of recognition owed to a righteous convert.

• Naomi

  Naomi is the wife of Elimelech, a man of wealth and standing, who is driven from his home due to a famine, and who eventually settles in neighboring Moab (which was enjoying an uncharacteristic era of peace with neighboring Judea).

  In exile, Elimelech and his two sons die, leaving Naomi with two childless daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Once the long famine is over, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth, weary and penniless.

  As the story unfolds, Ruth's care and devotion to Naomi is matched only by Naomi's concern for her daughter-in-law that she might eventually remarry and have children - a blessing and recompense for her kindness and loyalty.

• Ruth

  Ruth is the Moabite-born heroine of the story. Ruth is left widowed and childless from Machlon, Naomi's eldest son, who has died, according to tradition, for leaving the Holy Land at a time of crisis. When Naomi returns to Judea after a 10-year sojourn in exile, Ruth is determined to stay with her and to adopt Judaism as her faith.

  Ruth's passionate and immortal confession to Naomi is unique for its touching simplicity, as well as its poignant sincerity: "Entreat me not to leave you. Where you go, I shall go... your people are my people... your God, my God."

  Most concur that Ruth was a convert whose modest poise and unbounded piety were all the more significant considering the pagan culture she left and the tragic circumstances of her adaptation to the Jewish way of life.

  Her noble spirit is engendered by the manner in which she spared Naomi indignity by personally gleaning Boaz's fields, rather than begging for help.

• Boaz

  Boaz ("in him is strength") is Naomi's nephew. Traditionally, he is described as not only a righteous man, but a judge and the leader of his generation. As owner of the barley fields in Bethlehem, he displays unusual magnanimity towards Ruth whose modest behavior, faith in God, and loyalty to Naomi, impress him when he sees her gleaning in his fields.

  When Boaz decides to "redeem" the lands of his relative by marrying Ruth, he acts selflessly, marrying a Moabite convert, despite the fact the general populace does not view this act in a positive light. He exposed himself to censure in old age, when he was already a venerated sage, in order to "do the right thing."

  Boaz's relationship with his workers, his personal involvement in the winnowing process, and the efficiency and speed with which he carries out his obligations as a kinsman of Naomi and Ruth, all serve as an example of greatness in a leader.

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