Naomi

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What's in a Name?
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Names of biblical characters are often an integral part of the story. This lesson will explore the meaning of names in the Book of Ruth: Elimelekh, Mahalon, and Kilyon, Naomi and Ruth.
Naomi: The Wife of Elimelekh
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Why did Naomi survive her husband and sons? Was her survival a form of punishment, or does it attest to her righteousness? Textual analysis shows that Naomi was never integrated into Moab, and probably never involved in the initial decision to leave Bethlehem. Nonetheless, her character is presented with a degree of ambivalence, both in the biblical narrative and in midrashic texts.
Naomi's Arrival in Bethlehem
Dr. Yael Ziegler
This lesson will discuss Naomi’s character, based on the biblical and midrashic texts. What is the attitude of the people of Bethlehem toward Naomi when she returns home? What is Naomi’s attitude toward God? What is the significance of using the name “El Shaddai”?
The Rebirth of Hope
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Naomi's surprise at Ruth's success in bringing home food from gleaning leads to suspicion in Ruth's behavior. Ruth's revelation that Boaz was responsible for her success gives new hope to Naomi. Ruth and Boaz are paralleled as two characters that embody selfless kindness to others.
Ruth the Moavite
Dr. Yael Ziegler
A contrast exists between the Midrash's portrayal of Ruth's inborn modesty and the simple reading of the text which portrays Ruth's learning process with regard to modesty. Naomi embraces Ruth as a partner. Ruth and Naomi deal with two challenges of survival: the short-term one of obtaining food and the long-term one of continuity of progeny.
Naomi, Tamar, and Lot's Daughters: Continuity at All Cost
Dr. Yael Ziegler
God - through Boaz - is the provider of food and children. Naomi's plan to seduce Boaz is beneficial for Ruth and for herself. The immodest plan that Naomi develops is based on the biblical precedents of the daughters of Lot with Lot - the progenitors of Ruth - and Tamar with Yehuda - the progenitors of Boaz.
An Immodest Proposal
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Naomi crafts a plan for Ruth to seduce Boaz in contrast with the reputation that Ruth is attempting to develop for herself. Despite the temptation, Boaz chooses to control his desires and asks "Who are you?" thereby identifying Ruth as a person, and thus acting differently than Lot and Yehudah.
Boaz's Extraordinary Restraint
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Boaz demonstrates the ability to avoid temptation, in contrast with Shimshon, who succumbs to temptation. Shimshon squanders the opportunity to save the nation in the era of the Judges. Boaz's restraint leads the nation out of the darkness of the Era of the Judges, enabling the establishment of the House Of David.
I am Ruth: Self-Identity and Transformation
Dr. Yael Ziegler
The relationship between Ruth and Boaz is based on mutual fulfillment of responsibilities and not on love. Ruth crafts Naomi and Boaz's words together in order to confidently claim that Boaz is her redeemer. The veracity of Boaz's claim that there is a growing public of appreciation of Ruth is discussed.
Ruth and Naomi: Resolution
Dr. Yael Ziegler
In Ruth and Naomi's final conversation, Naomi expresses cautious faith in a quick resolution. Boaz's inquiry "Who are you?" actually means "What are you? Married or single?" Ruth alters Boaz's words in order to bridge between Naomi and Boaz foreshadowing King David bridging between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
Boaz and Ploni Almoni
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Who is the main character of the book – Ruth or Naomi? Elimelech and Naomi deal with the problems of famine and children in ways that represent the era of the Judges, while Ruth and Boaz's solutions represent a new way. The potential redeemer is nameless because he refuses to establish his deceased relative's name.
A Matter of Law: Elimelekh's Field
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Boaz convenes a public transaction at the gate of the city. Naomi's field might have been sold before leaving for Moav or upon her return. It appears that her land is being sold at the present time. Boaz makes a questionable link between the sale of the field to the marriage to Ruth.
A Blessing on Both Your Houses: Rachel and Leah
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Elimelekh's abandonment of his personal and national house and Ruth and Naomi's homelessness come full circle with Ruth entering Boaz's house. In the book of Judges the national house is threatened with collapse. Ruth is likened to Rachel and Leah who together symbolize unity. Her union with Boaz will establish David's kingdom, which will unify the Nation.
Naomi's Child: The Movement toward Kingship
Dr. Yael Ziegler
In Ruth and Naomi's struggle for food and progeny, God gives both through his agent Boaz. The story is filled throughout with blessings symbolizing the end of the accursed era of the Judges and the ushering in of the blessed Davidic dynasty. Boaz and Ruth disappear from the narrative leaving only Naomi's character.
Linguistic Mirroring
A Harmonious Story, Part I
Dr. Yael Ziegler
The structure of Ruth is a chiastic one. Repetition of key words and phrases is one of many linguistic techniques used. Boaz and Ruth's shared trait of kindness stages them as the main characters. Ruth as the initiator and Boaz completing the task come together to create the Davidic dynasty.
Actions and Rewards
A Harmonious Story, Part II
Dr. Yael Ziegler
Ruth’s decision to accompany Naomi to Bethlehem does not produce the expected negative results. Ruth's determined kindness devotion to Naomi ultimately lead her to receive kind treatment from Boaz. The tragedy at the outset is resolved and the harmonious nature of the book paves way for the Monarchy of King David.
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.