Ruth and Naomi

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1. Avshalom's Rebellion (Part I)

   Chapter 15 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   The chapter begins with preparations for Avshalom’s rebellion, and later describes the uprising and David’s swift response. This lesson will examine both camps, and study the surprising link between David’s escape from Jerusalem and the Book of Ruth.

2. The Problem of Sustenance

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   Ruth collects in Boaz's field; she manages to collect and eipha of barley. This is ten times the amount needed to sustain an adult. The enormous amount was collected under Boaz's instructions. Boaz introduces Ruth as his respected guest, and ensures that everyone in the field knows that he is her patron and protector. Boaz offers Ruth much more than she needs for sheer survival; he contributes to her honor, respect, importance, and acceptance. How does Boaz regard Naomi? Why does he treat her the way he does?

3. To Leave or to Remain: Lot vs. Ruth

   Rabbi David Silverberg

4. The Drama of Ruth

   Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein

   תאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | | Hour and 7 minutes

   The Book of Ruth opens with a situation of dire straits: Boaz leaves the Land because of despair, and Naomi cannot rebuild when she returns. The actions and interactions of Ruth and Boaz, however, serve as a model of true soulmates who embody the deepest, highest level of chessed (kindness). These relationships transcend merely helping an older lady or a poor maiden.

   As we examine these relationships, parallels from Iyov, the mitzva of Yibum and  the story of Yehuda and Tamar further highlight the significance of the personalities in Ruth.

5. 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. 

6. "Olam Chesed Yibaneh" - A Comparison of Ruth and Iyov

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Megillat Ruth stands out: this wonderful story is completely brought about through the actions of man without any involvement of God - neither in speech nor in action. What is the message that Megillat Ruth is coming to express?

    We will compare Megillat Ruth to the book of Iyov, which has many similar details to the story of Naomi. With this comparison as our background, we will be able to distinguish the essential difference between them.

7. 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

    

8. 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.

9. Naomi - Heroine Behind the Scenes

   Rabbi Dov Berkovits

   תאריך פרסום: 5777 | | Hour

   Every time we read the Book of Ruth, a seemingly short and simple story, we find something new that we haven’t seen before. In this shiur, we focus on Naomi, who effectively orchestrates much of what happens with Ruth in Beth Lechem. We look at what is going on in the Megilla, and we add context by examining the role of the tribe of Yehuda in parts of the book of Shoftim, and the meaning of certain names of God.  People often speak of Megillat Ruth as a form of tikkun - symbolic repair - for what came before, and Naomi is at the center of this tikkun.