Ruth and Boaz
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Ruth the Moavite in the Fields of Bethlehem
Dr. Yael ZieglerRuth goes out to find a field where she can gather grain. From Naomi’s instructions and Boaz’s reassurance the reader understands what Ruth was facing in her search for a field, how she might have been treated in other fields, and how she was treated in Boaz’s field before his arrival and intervention.
Boaz Welcomes Ruth to Bethlehem
Dr. Yael ZieglerBoaz emphasizes Ruth's unique behavior, blesses her, and promises that God will repay her kindness. Why is Boaz so overtly supportive of Ruth? Was it her unique behavior that made him want to be giving and kind toward her? Was he expressing a type of fatherly concern? Or did he feel obligated to guide and direct her in the process of acceptance to Am Yisrael?
The Well Scene: A Betrothal
Dr. Yael ZieglerThis shiur follows the theme of a man from a foreign land meeting a woman at a well, and their meeting resulting in marriage. We will explore the unique qualities of each story. Ruth and Boaz do not meet at a well, but their unusual meeting does lead to marriage. What makes the story unique is that the female protagonist in the story is from a foreign land, instead of the man, and she is the true heroine of the story.
Ruth and Chana: Mothers in Israel
Dr. Yael ZieglerThis lesson compares Ruth and Hannah, the two perfect mothers, and Yael, Deborah and Sisra's mother, who represent a distortion of motherhood. Ruth and Hannah introduce motherly compassion as a model, and the results are Shmuel, who anoints kings, and David, who creates the dynasty of monarchy in Israel.
The Problem of Sustenance
Dr. Yael ZieglerRuth 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?
Ruth and Boaz in the Goren: Realizing One's Destiny
Part 5
Dr. Yael Ziegler |Key words and motifs in the story of Ruth and Boaz are compared with two earlier Biblical stories: the story of Lot and his daughters (Ruth’s ancestors) and the story of Yehuda and Tamar (ancestors of Boaz). The story of Ruth and Boaz Ruth and Boaz is a tikkun for these earlier stories, as they subvert Naomi's plan.
The Drama of Ruth
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtensteinתאריך 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.
Ruth: Paragon of Modesty?
Rabbi Moshe Shulmanתאריך פרסום: תשע"ו | |
Who or what is Ruth the Moabite? In this shiur, we examine the relationship between Boaz and Ruth. We look at two conflicting midrashic portrayals of Ruth, explore the deeper meaning, and analyze and challenge the midrash based on the pshat. Is her behavior that of cleverness, or of modesty? How does the “naar” or the foreman in the field of Boaz see Ruth? As we gain deeper insight to the mitzva of leket (gleaning), we discover another dimension of the difficulties Ruth faced as a stranger.
Redemption in Megillat Ruth
Rabbi Yaakov MedanIn 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.
The Night at the Threshing Floor: Uncovering the Motives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz
Dr. Mordechai SabatoThe 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
The Structure of Megillat Ruth- Study Guide
HaTanakh.com StaffHow 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.
Ruth and Boaz: Mirror Characters
Dr. Yael ZieglerRuth’s generosity reverses the downward spiral of the megilla’s narrative and launches its arduous movement toward resolution. Ruth, however, cannot act independently. Everything she ultimately offers Naomi (food, children) is given to her by Boaz, who is also portrayed as a paragon of generosity. If the first critical shift in the book is initiated by Ruth, its final pivot is completed by Boaz. It may be most accurate to conclude that the success of the narrative rests upon the coming together of this couple.
Ruth and Boaz’s marriage represents the conjoining of two similar personalities, whose traits are ideal for producing both the personal solution for Naomi’s tragedy and the national solution for the self-centered, miserly, and slothful society during the period of the judges. In order to convey the similarity between Boaz and Ruth and highlight the important traits that they share, the Book of Ruth presents several linguistic parallels between these characters.
Three Forms of Redemption in Megillat Ruth
Dr. Yael ZieglerIn the fateful nighttime encounter on the threshing floor, Boaz is startled to find someone lying at his feet:
And he said, “Who are you?” And she replied, “I am Ruth, your maidservant. Spread your wings (khenafekha) over your maidservant, for you are a redeemer.” And [Boaz] said, “…And now, even though truly I am a go’el, there is a go’el who is closer than I. Lie here tonight and in the morning, if the redeemer shall redeem you, good, but if he shall not desire to redeem you, I myself shall redeem you, I swear by God. Lie until the morning.” (Ruth 3:9-13)
What is the meaning of Ruth’s request that Boaz spread his wings over her, and her statement that Boaz is a redeemer? Targum, Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Ramban assume that Ruth’s request for Boaz to spread his kanaf over her is a request for marriage.
Nevertheless, it is less clear what Ruth means when she states plainly, “For you are the go’el.” In what way does this relate to Ruth’s previous request? Is it also a bid for marriage, which Ruth terms her redemption, or does this refer to Boaz’s ostensible duty to buy Naomi’s property?
Ruth and Boaz: Models of Commitment
Rabbi David SilverbergWells, Journeys, and Marriages: Hidden Patterns in Biblical Stories
Dr. Yael Ziegler | Hour and 10 minutesThe well betrothal scene is a common type scene in the Tanakh. Through a careful examination of each betrothal scene in light of the others, we can identify each of their unique features in order to more deeply understand each of the stories, the identities of the characters, and the legacy that emerges.
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