Megillat Ruth: Royalty, Humility, and the Power of Chesed

Dedicated lilui nishmat my dear husband, with whom I often discussed and learned Megillat Ruth.

Wheat Field blue sku

Good morning, dear readers! I imagine many of you are in your kitchens today, preparing for the beautiful Yom Tov of Shavuot. As promised, I am happy to share some reflections on Megillat Ruth—a scroll that speaks deeply to the heart of every Jewish woman.

Ruth: The Mother of Royalty

Ruth is known as Imma shel Malkhut—the mother of royalty. The Midrash tells us that when King David ruled, he prepared a special throne beside his own for his grandmother Ruth, honoring her as the true source of his royal lineage.

Today, the final day of Sefirat HaOmer, is called Malchut she’b’Malchut—royalty within royalty. Throughout the Omer period, we work on refining the seven middot:

• Chesed (loving-kindness)

• Gevurah (strength)

• Tiferet (beauty/harmony)

• Netzach (endurance)

• Hod (humility/splendor)

• Yesod (foundation)

• Malchut (royalty)

After completing this journey of self-elevation, Malchut symbolizes the pinnacle of inner growth—guiding us to mastery over our own character. A true Melech (king) not only governs but uplifts and serves as a role model. In this way, each of us is called to be a "king" over our own positive qualities, accepting the yoke of Heaven with humility and strength.

David HaMelech: A Legacy Rooted in Ruth

It is no coincidence that King David was both born and passed away on Shavuot. Through his many trials and tribulations, David developed a heart that could express the full range of human emotions, which he poured into the timeless Tehillim.

David credited his spiritual depth not only to his mother, a great tzaddeket, but also to Ruth—his "mother of royalty." Understanding Ruth's greatness helps us grasp why she holds such an exalted place in our history.

Why Do We Read Megillat Ruth on Shavuot?

In Eretz Yisrael, where Shavuot is observed for one day, Megillat Ruth is read before the Aseret HaDibrot. But why this seemingly simple story, when other scrolls such as Shir HaShirim or Kohelet appear more overtly theological?

Our Sages offer several explanations:

1. It Marks David HaMelech’s Birth and Passing: Shavuot celebrates the life of our beloved King David, descended from Ruth.

2. Emunat Chachamim – Faith in Our Sages: The Megillah highlights the importance of Oral Torah and the critical role of our Sages in transmitting it.

3. Torah as a Life of Chesed: Ruth’s selfless devotion illustrates how Torah must be lived through acts of loving-kindness.

4. Upholding Torah in All Circumstances: Ruth’s unwavering commitment to Torah values, even through hardship, is an example for us all.

The Example of Emunat Chachamim

One striking moment in Megillat Ruth is Naomi’s bold instruction to Ruth—to approach Boaz at the threshing floor. Despite potential halachic concerns, Ruth followed Naomi’s guidance with complete faith, recognizing the Ruach HaKodesh in Naomi’s wisdom.

My father, zichrono livracha, often emphasized this principle of Emunat Chachamim—the backbone of our connection to Torah. Without our Sages' explanations, much of the Torah’s depth would remain hidden.

Indeed, Megillat Ruth was written in part to restore a forgotten halacha: while Moavi men were forbidden to marry into Israel, Moavit women were not. This clarification secured David HaMelech’s rightful place among Am Yisrael.

The Debate Over David’s Lineage

During David’s rise, there was fierce debate over his eligibility due to his Moabite ancestry. When Goliath threatened Bnei Yisrael, King Saul questioned whether David was even halachically Jewish. This led the Beit Din of Shmuel HaNavi to formally affirm the correct halacha—"Moavi, lo Moaviah."

Without Emunat Chachamim, David’s kingship—and ultimately, the line of Mashiach—would have been lost.

The Two Loaves: A Symbol of Complete Torah

On Shavuot, the unique offering of two leavened loaves (shtei halechem) symbolizes our acceptance of both the Written and Oral Torah. We declare our full trust in Hashem and His Sages, embracing the Torah in its entirety.

The Power of Chesed and Personal Transformation

Another central theme of Megillat Ruth is the transformative power of chesed. In a time of spiritual famine, Ruth’s kindness rekindled the heart of Bethlehem. A princess of Moab, she became a model of humility and devotion, inspiring an entire community.

This teaches us that even one person, through simple acts of goodness, can elevate an entire generation.

Ruth’s Unexpected Greatness

How could such a luminous soul arise from the morally decayed environment of Moab? The Midrash teaches that Ruth’s emergence was a metziah—a rare and wondrous discovery. Even from the ashes of Sedom, Hashem can bring forth greatness.

Her life reminds us that when one yearns sincerely for connection to Hashem, profound transformation is possible.

David’s Trials and Triumph

David HaMelech’s life was marked by rejection. Born under a cloud of suspicion, he was ostracized by his own family. Yet through this suffering, David forged an unbreakable bond with Hashem, becoming the "sweet singer of Israel."

The trials endured by Ruth and David became the foundation for their greatness—a lesson for us all in perseverance and faith.

No Coincidences in Yiddishkeit

One poignant detail in the Megillah: Ruth “happened” to glean in Boaz’s field. We know that in Yiddishkeit, there are no coincidences. Every event is orchestrated by Hashem.

Even Boaz’s simple offering of dry bread ("bitzat ha’kali") was destined to become a turning point in Ruth’s life. The Midrash teaches: had Boaz known it would be recorded, he would have given her a grand feast! This reminds us: every act of chesed, no matter how small, can have far-reaching effects.

Final Thoughts

As we prepare for Shavuot, let us take these timeless lessons from Megillat Ruth to heart:

• Embrace both the Written and Oral Torah with full trust.

• Perform acts of chesed wholeheartedly.

• Recognize the power of personal growth and transformation.

• Remember: no act is too small in Hashem’s plan.

May we all merit to internalize Ruth’s legacy of royalty, humility, and kindness.

Chag Sameach!