Megillat Ruth

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1. Megillat Ruth - Structure and Overview

   Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Reiss

   The Book of Ruth describes the transition from starvation and death, described in the first five verses of the book, to the hope and redemption of the final five verses describing the generations leading to the birth of David, King of Israel. The main theme of the storyline is driven by acts of hessed (kindness), leading toward redemption performed by the antagonists of the story. 

2. Who is the Hero of Megillat Ruth?

   Dr. Tamar Werdiger | Hour and 15 minutes

   Who is the hero of Megillat Ruth? Through a close reading of the megillah, we notice that many of the characters qualify as the central figure of the story. This lecture analyzes the characters and illustrates the various ways of determining the protagonist in different types of literary compositions through a series of textual indicators. We then apply these criteria to Megillat Ruth in an attempt to understand who the hero of the megillah is. 

3. Redemption in Megillat Ruth

   Rabbi Yaakov Medan

   In Megillat Ruth there is a meeting between the House of Yehuda and the family of Lot. he punishment exacted of Yehuda is similar to that which befalls both Lot and Elimelekh. The tie that binds these cases is that in all three stories there is almost a total loss of family, but at the last minute a solution is found through the act of yibbum. 

    The theme uniting the three is the resurrection of the name of the dead on his property. This is redemption, and this is the goal of the House of David – to reestablish the People of Israel on its land.

4. The Night at the Threshing Floor: Uncovering the Motives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz

   Dr. Mordechai Sabato

   The unique quality of Megillat Ruth stems from the fact that the problem arising from Ruth's remarkable loyalty to Naomi was overcome by Boaz's extraordinary strength. Boaz understood that he must not allow Ruth's kindness towards Naomi to fade into the dark of night at the threshing floor.  In a rare demonstration of profound understanding of the soul of another, Boaz recognized the purity of Ruth's motives, and thus blessed her, rather than cursing her.

   Why did Naomi send Ruth to the threshing floor in a way that could negatively reflect on Ruth, herself, and Boaz? What were Naomi's motives and objectives, and does the Tanakh approve of Naomi's plan?  We compare Megillat Ruth's challenges and tests of character with other stories in Tanakh to appreciate the pivotal moment of the Megilla.

    

   Translated by David Silverberg

    

5. The Book of Ruth - Structure and Meaning

   Atara Snowbell | 4 minutes

   How can we understand the structure and progression of Megillat Ruth? An analysis of the text highlights the central theme of kindness, which leads the book from a grim beginning to the promise of a better future- on a personal, familial level  and on a national one as well. This tutorial demonstrates interactive use of HaTanakh.com for the study of Tanakh.

6. The Structure of Megillat Ruth- Study Guide

   HaTanakh.com Staff

   How does the structure of Megillat Ruth teach us about the goal of the megillah? The attached self-study guide for Megillat Ruth allows us to uncover the purpose and deeper messages of the story by studying the progression of the text throughout the four chapters of the book. 

7. Widows: Windows to Mashiach

   Rabbi Moshe Miller

   תאריך פרסום: 2023 | | 55 minutes

   Why does the mitzvah of yibum play a central role in Megillat Ruth? As a special example of the mitzvah of hesed and an ancient concept predating matan Torah, yibum is critical to resolving Creation's oldest paradox, how to continue a family line after tragedy strikes. Yehudah, Tamar, and King David are among the actors in this compelling drama.