Shavuot and the Book of Ruth

On Shavuot, the Book of Ruth (Megilat Rut) is read in synagogue during the morning or Shacharit service. Ruth is read on Shavuot because the story it recounts occurs during the end of the barley harvest and Shavuot occurs just as the barley harvest is ending in Israel and the wheat harvest is beginning. Shavuot, in addition to being an agricultural holiday, is the festival on which we celebrate the Jewish people’s receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. At the very heart of the story is Ruth’s choice to embrace Judaism and the Jewish community and her declaration of her intent to do so to her mother in-law, Naomi, is incredibly powerful.

The Book of Ruth is one of the five books or scrolls traditionally read on Jewish holidays throughout the year. The others are Song of Songs, read during Passover, Lamentations, read on Tisha b’Av, Ecclesiastes, read during Sukkot and Esther, read during Purim. It is located in the Ketuvim or writings, the third division of the Tanach—Hebrew Bible.

The story of Ruth occurs during the time of the Judges. There is a famine in Judea so Naomi, her husband Elimelech and her sons, Chilion and Mahlon journey to Moab. There, the sons both marry Moabite women—Ruth and Orpa. Later, Chilion, Mahlon and Elimelech pass away and Naomi, feeling that she has lost everything, has no choice but to return home. She implores Ruth and Orpa to return to their people. Initially, both Orpa and Ruth ask Naomi to allow them to return with her. As Naomi continues to steadfastly refuse, telling them that there is no use in them returning with her, Orpa tearfully returns home. Ruth opts to remain with Naomi and her commitment to staying with Naomi and to Judaism is perhaps the most famous passage in the entire book (Ruth 1:16). “Where you go, I’ll go; where you lodge I’ll lodge. Your people will be my people and your G-d my G-d”.

Later, Ruth marries Boaz, a well-to-do ancestor of Naomi and Elimelech’s who, prior to their marriage, allows her to glean in his fields, a right given those who are without means for themselves. Boaz is incredibly taken with Ruth’s dedication and loyalty to Naomi. Following their marriage, Ruth gives birth to a son, Oved, who will be the grandfather of King David.

Ruth is an exemplary character. Jewish tradition counts her as one of the first converts to Judaism. Her dedication is seen as a model, something we all ought to emulate. Many who choose Judaism today find her story incredibly inspiring and personally incredibly meaningful and significant. Ruth is exemplary not solely for her dedication to her new people and faith, but also for her steadfast dedication to others, particularly Naomi. It would have been simpler, perhaps, had Ruth chosen to return to Moab to be with her people. Instead, she chooses to stay with Naomi, even though their circumstances, personal and financial, left much to be desired. Together, the two women work tirelessly to alter their situation for the better, achieving this through Ruth’s marriage to Boaz. Naomi and Ruth come up with a clever way by which to achieve this. Though incredibly bold, Ruth’s actions achieve their intended goal. Ruth and Naomi’s station is changed significantly. Most importantly, perhaps, Ruth is the ancestress of King David.