The Book of Ruth

Question

Hi Rabbi,

I hope you had a nice holiday!

Ruth was certainly one of the most famous converts in Jewish history. She said, “Your people are my people.”

But why did my Temple read the Book of Ruth a few days ago on Shavuot? What’s the connection?

Thanks so much!

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    You ask why the Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot.

    One explanation is that Ruth’s tremendous self-sacrifice in abandoning her country, her wealth and her comfort in order to become part of the Jewish people is a lesson to everyone about our priorities in life.

    Another reason is that on Shavuot we all look upon ourselves as converts to Judaism. When the Jewish people came to Mount Sinai, they unconditionally accepted the entire Torah and God’s sovereignty. They purified themselves, the men were circumcised and the entire people entered into a covenant with God. Each of these steps is repeated by every convert to Judaism.

    A third reason is that Ruth’s great-grandson was King David, who was born on Shavuot. The Messiah will ultimately trace his lineage to King David.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team