The book of Ruth is one of the five megillot (scrolls) found in the section of the Hebrew Bible called Writings and is traditionally read on the holiday of Shavuot. It tells the story of Ruth, a widow of Moabite origin, who insists on staying with her widowed, Israelite mother-in-law, declaring “Wherever you go, I will go... your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (1:16). Ruth’s loyalty leads her to the field of her kinsman, Boaz, whom she ultimately marries. Together they have a child, who later becomes the grandfather of King David.
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Ruth, Ancestor of King DavidTANAKH
Ruth, Ancestor of King David
TANAKH
At its outset, the Book of Ruth introduces Ruth, a Moabite woman about whom we know little. Through the narrative's twists and turns, Ruth gives birth to a child whose grandson will be King David. These verses from the end of the Book of Ruth provide the details.
Ruth's ConversionCOMMENTARY
Ruth's Conversion
COMMENTARY
Ruth stubbornly refuses to leave her mother-in-law after the death of her husband, and according to rabbinic tradition, she converts to Judaism. The great medieval commentator known as Rashi (11th century, France) explains what the story can teach us about those who convert.
Why Read Ruth on Shavuot?CHASIDUT
Why Read Ruth on Shavuot?
CHASIDUT
The Book of Ruth contains no explicit references to Shavuot, but rabbinic sources throughout the generations have found multiple thematic links that explain the practice of reading it on this holiday. The Sefat Emet (19th century, Poland), a chasidic Torah commentary, describes some of the key themes.
Receiving the TorahHALAKHAH
Receiving the Torah
HALAKHAH
According to rabbinic tradition, the Jewish people accepted the Torah at Mount Sinai on Shavuot, and Ruth accepted the Torah in conversation with her mother-in-law at the same time of the year. Abudarham (14th century, Spain) explains these connections in his commentary on the prayer service.
The Theme of KindnessMIDRASH
The Theme of Kindness
MIDRASH
The importance of showing kindness to others is a key theme in the story of Ruth. The rabbinic authors of this 6th-century compilation of interpretations and expansions on the Book of Ruth delve into some of the ways that kindness is expressed within the details of the narrative.
