The Book of Ruth: a Journey of Faith

It is the festival of Shavuot (Shavuos) and during this time, we read the story of Ruth from the Bible. Ruth was born a Moabite (an ancient race of people who lived in the Middle East).  She married a Jew and lived with his family including his mother, Naomi.  When her husband dies, Ruth refuses to leave her mother in law alone.  She states, “Where ever you go, I will go.  Your people shall be my people, and your God, shall be my God.” This story is VERY important to me as it was referenced several times in the service that was performed when I chose to become a Jew. I love Naomi’s quiet strength despite the cruel way people treat her after her husband and sons’ deaths.  And Ruth has that same strength.  She lifts Naomi out of her grief and helps her make her way back home to a life flowing with “milk and honey.”  It is available now on Netflix or you can find lots of videos about Ruth’s story on Youtube.