Ruth and the Book of Judges

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1. Megillat Ruth and the Book of Shoftim: Part II

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   A comparison of the book of Shoftim (particularly the story of the Concubine at Giv'ah) and the story of Ruth reveals that the two seem like opposing texts: in the Book of Judges people are stingy, self - centered, detached and unhelpful to each other. This society leads to chaos and civil wars. In the Book of Ruth, kindness, generosity, and compassion rule. This society leads to a harmonious existence, and the possibility of a foundation for a united monarchy.

2. The Days of the Judging of the Judges

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   The Book of Ruth references the era of the Judges – but to which judge, specifically, is the book referring? Midrashic text make various suggestions (Ehud and Shamgar; Devorah and Barak; Ivzan), which highlight the difference and similarity between Ruth and stories from the Book of Judges. Comparing and contrasting these stories creates important insights about the characters, values, and objectives of the Book of Ruth.

3. 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.

4. Lot's Separation from Abraham and Ruth's Return

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   תאריך פרסום: תשסט | |

   The book of Shoftim ends on a dark and ominous note, describing an immoral and corrupt society that deserves destruction. Through the midrashic depictions of both Ruth and Orpah in Megillat Ruth, and comparison to the characters of Avraham and Lot in Genesis 13, Dr. Yael Ziegler explains that Ruth is the person who ultimately saves the Jewish nation from their corruption, single-handedly leading them into a better era. Using classical commentaries, Ziegler describes the path of morality and kindness depicted by Avraham, as opposed to Lot's cruel and immoral path.   Ruth makes a conscious decision to return the nation from Lot's path, down which they had strayed throughout the book of Shoftim, back to Avraham's path of righteousness, thereby instilling modesty and kindness back into Am Yisrael. 

5. "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.