When is ruth read on shavuot

The custom of doing this is already mentioned in the Talmudic tractate of Soferim , and the fact that the first chapter of the Midrash of Ruth deals with the giving of the Torah is evidence that this custom was already well established by the time this Midrash was compiled. There are many explanations given for the reading of Ruth on Shavuot. A second explanation relates to genealogy. Upon further examination of Megillas Ruth, its connection to Shavuos seems rather weak.

Firstly, the text does not clearly narrate the gerus conversion process which Ruth underwent; in fact, rabbinic authorities dispute the very point at which the conversion occurred, reflective of its apparent lack of centrality to the story. Why, then, is Megillas Ruth intrinsically connected to Shavuos? To answer this question, we need to address another, more basic concept. Jewish sources offer six explanations for the custom of reading the Book of Ruth on Shavuot , the festival commemorating the giving of the Torah at Sinai: Both the Torah, which was given on Shavuot, and Ruth are all about kindness and generosity hesed.

At Sinai, Israel took upon itself obedience to the Torah; Ruth likewise takes this obligation to the Torah upon herself. According to one tradition, David was born and died on Shavuot; the Book of Ruth ends with the lineage of David.

Shavuot is connected to the barley harvest also called bikkurim in the Bible ; so, too, is the story of Ruth. A midrash a teaching from rabbinic literature claims that the Torah can be adequately grasped only by those who have suffered; Ruth suffers poverty and hardship Ruth Zuta. Shavuot Shavuot BimBam. The purpose is not apparent. Some say that it is simply an interesting tale.

For others, family unity is at the center of the story. I agree with those who posit that the most reasonable rationale is this: The author wished to stress that common people can do the right thing when they act unselfishly toward one another, as witnessed by the main characters in the book.

This echoes the ancient rabbis who said that the Book of Ruth was written to teach us a lesson in gemilut hasadim , acts of loving-kindness see Ruth Rabbah