The Book of Ruth is one of the five megillot (scrolls), part of 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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The Book of Ruth is one of the five megillot (scrolls), part of 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.
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 37
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The Biblical Scroll of Ruth is arguably the most unusual book in our entire Canon. Although it was ostensibly written to document the lineage of King David and the eternal House of Jewish Royalty he founds, there are many detailed and overarching messages that transcend the technicalities of establishing Israel's Royal Bloodline. This concluding 40th Episode opens by highlighting some of the scroll's general inspirational teachings. Then dipping deeply into secret wisdom of Kabbalah; a redemptive illustration of life, purpose and creation itself is sketched in illuminating mystical brushstrokes!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 36
Chapter 4, Lesson 7
Women of Great Virtue Comfort and encourage Naomi to foster the Blessed Boy as her own child. He will become a source of Comfort, Joy and Blessing for his Mother and Grandmother, and a source of redemption and salvation for all of Israel they prophecy!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 35
Chapter 4, Lesson 6
Within hours of the Courtroom Betrothal, a hastily arranged Chuppah and wedding followed and that night Boaz brings Ruth home. Sadly, he dies soon thereafter, yet she had already conceived and exactly nine months after their marriage -- dispelling salacious rumors, and proving the legitimacy of Boaz's offspring -- she bore his son who would become the founder of the Davidic Dynasty!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 34
Chapter 4, Lesson 5
Responding to Boaz’s call, the mix assemblage of Prominent Sanhedrin Judges and ordinary Bethlehem Citizenry duly witness the Legal Proceedings of the Legacy Estate Transfer as well as a Historic Marriage. The crowds then burst forth in a torrent of well-wishing, showering the couple with Bountiful Biblical Blessings. Here we explore the rich symbolism encoded into the string of Legendary Ancestors and Events that are woven into the fabric of the warm wishes and blessings they bestowed on that Day of Davidic Destiny!
Megillat Ruth in Depth -Part 33
Chapter 4, Lesson 4
Boaz now swiftly moves to acquire the entire estate that had formally belonged to his kinsman Elimelech and his children. Yet this acquisition will be about far more than a significant expansion his heirloom plantation portfolio. In purchasing these fields, the respected Judge is poised to Perpetuate the Family Bloodline, Lineage and Legacies!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 32
Chapter 4, Lesson 3
The verbal recusal of the Phantom First-in-Line is insufficient for Boaz. Before moving into the Batters Box, he wants the agreement formalized. Only then will he be ready to Make His Move. Traditionally, transactions were ratified by virtue of a Ceremonial Shoe Exchange. This methodology will now be employed to Seal the Deal as a Legal Act of Acquisition, handing Boaz Rights to Purchase Perpetuity. Yet notwithstanding the legal technicalities, a Title Search leads us to Dig Deeper and Discover a surprise Treasure of untapped potential!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 32
Chapter 4, Lesson 2
With no small measure of guile, Boaz cleverly and strategically throws down the Gauntlet: Step Up, or Step Aside he challenges the Phantom relative; its high time for the Real Redeemer to please rise! But are Real Estate and Matrimony really a Match made in Heaven, and can one honestly engage if shady dealings yet maintain full integrity?
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 31
Chapter 4, Lesson 1
With great alacrity, Boaz moves to fulfill his promise. But obstacles must first be overcome, as to marry Ruth, first he must get a phantom Uncle Tov to step aside! The righteous do their part and that causes Hashem to do His. Divine Providence miraculously arranges the meeting, and then the action begins!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 30
Chapter 3, Lesson 12
As dawn is breaking, yet still under the cover of dark Ruth stealthily returns to Naomi's home. A cryptic conversation ensues and the door opens. Ruth tells her wise mother-in-law all that transpired and while she is prepared to return to the fields, Naomi insists she stay Home for the Harvest!
Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 29
Chapter 3, Lesson 11 (Verses 14 - 16)
After a long night of torturous Temptation, succesfully overcome dawn mercifully arrives. Before day fully breaks, and tongues begin to wag... Boaz and Ruth must escape under the cover of dark. But before the leave, Boaz finds it important that he first gift Ruth Six Grains of Barley. What was that all about and why was such a paltry offering of urgent importance!
Megillat Ruth in Depth
Part 27
Chapter 3, Lesson 9
Reassuring Ruth!
Boaz must now explain why accepting Ruth’s marriage proposition isn't so simple; although he intends on following through – for now the challenge of a closer relative stands in the way. Knowing that his response will likely disappoint and disillusion the sensitive young Princess – the burden of believable reassurance is now his. Tenderly blessing her, and emphasizing her obvious nobility of character and intention, he delineates the impediment. Remarkable depth and meaning are encoded into these seemingly simple sentences which resonate with profundity!
Megillat Ruth in Depth
Part 25 Chapter 3, Lesson 7
The brash and brazen nature of her approach notwithstanding, Ruth tactfully conveys her ultimate goal: holy matrimony! She even makes the case for it, because “you’re a redeemer.” Rashi elucidates: “Since it's incumbent upon you to redeem my [late husband’s] estate [so it remains in the family] “take possession” of me, too, so his name will be perpetuated on his property.” Discover the true meaning of this seemingly strange logic, as we learn to understand and know how material possessions can become a vehicle for soul transportation and transformation!
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 6
(PT 24)
"In the Middle of the Night... Ruth’s shocking nocturnal rendezvous with Boaz... Book of Ruth" , (Chapter 3; 8-9)
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 5
(PT 23)
The Creative, Yet Faithful, Follower:
Setting deep misgivings aside; Ruth chooses to follow Naomi’s spiritual intuition – placing implicit trust her inspired vision and guidance. Yet, for all her faithfulness she does not surrender her own instinctual wisdom; artfully charting her own course to ensure protection and success in stealthily moving into the shady circumstances her mother-in-law has ordained. This class further demonstrates why Ruth is a heroine of the ages; with her unique synergy of acceptance and loyal devotion balanced with healthy confidence and self-actualization. It also continues to illuminate dubious shadows naturally cast on one of the most unconventional and seemingly immodest biblical narratives.
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 4
(PT 22)
"Truth or Dare"
Revealing final details of her daring plan, Naomi, in effect seeks to force a historic moment of truth upon Boaz. Despite the likelihood of great indignity and even possible danger, Ruth humbly and respectfully agrees to follow her mother-in-law's advice. The die is now cast, the stage is set and an evening of destiny is about to unfold!
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 3
(PT 21)
"Dressed to the Nines" Setting her daring plan into action, the ever detail-oriented Naomi gives her shy and attractive daughter-in-law instructions on how to prepare for her date with destiny. The surprising “meddling mother-in-law” advice: bathe, groom and wear a nice dress seem totally inappropriate. Wouldn't a young Princess know how to prepare on her own?! In this remarkable look behind the veil you'll discover how the scriptural terminology like “cleansing, fragrant oil and festive attire” includes a deeply meaningful and spiritual subtext.
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 2
(PT 20)
"An Inconvenient Truth"
The dramatic plot thickens as Naomi begins to detail her daring plan. In addition to superbly clarifying the straightforward meaning and nuances of this seemingly enigmatic verse; an overarching new perspective is introduced. Discover the real rhyme and reason Naomi felt compelled to send her beloved daughter-in-law Ruth into this dangerous date with destiny, as you learn why our heroine can only succeed by taking this proverbial walk on thin ice; forcing Boaz to consider and make one of the most pivotal decisions in Jewish history!
Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 5
(PT 13)
Lunch-Date with Destiny.
Our humble heroine is invited to lunch with the plantation employees. She modestly sits away from the raucous male-dominated meal; eats little yet finds herself remarkably satiated. Boaz goes out of his way to make Ruth comfortable; demonstrating the virtues of Torah-true hospitality. Incredibly, each detail of this meager meal overflows with deep meaning and profound premonition.
The Book of Ruth is one of the five megillot (scrolls), part of 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.
