Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi

Found 6 Search results

1. Ruth and Conversion

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   When did Ruth join the Jewish people? Was she converted before she married Makhlon? Or only after she joined Naomi? Does her devotion to Naomi stem from her love for Naomi, or her devotion to the Jewish people? Ruth’s oath, taken in God’s name, expresses her belief that her journey with Naomi is the will of God.

2. In a Whirlwind

   Rabbi Alex Israel

   Eliyahu's dramatic ascent to the heavens highlights Elisha as opposed to the other Bnei Ha'Nevi'im. Elisha is also Eliyahu's succesor, but also operates in a completely different manner. Elisha, is always surrounded by other people and is deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Eliyahu is a lone spiritual figure. 

3. Routine in Tanakh

   Elisheva Brauner

4. Who is the Hero of Megillat Ruth?

   Dr. Tamar Werdiger | Hour and 15 minutes

   Who is the hero of Megillat Ruth? Through a close reading of the megillah, we notice that many of the characters qualify as the central figure of the story. This lecture analyzes the characters and illustrates the various ways of determining the protagonist in different types of literary compositions through a series of textual indicators. We then apply these criteria to Megillat Ruth in an attempt to understand who the hero of the megillah is. 

5. The Night at the Threshing Floor: Uncovering the Motives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz

   Dr. Mordechai Sabato

   The 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

    

6. The Structure of Megillat Ruth- Study Guide

   HaTanakh.com Staff

   How 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.