I'm sitting here, mulling over what to write in this blog post, and I'm struggling to find an introduction. Well, I guess I just covered that. So, that folks, was my introduction. This year, we had the pleasure to learn Kohelet, Eicha, Esther, and Rut, and to be honest, the perspective I've gained into really examining the Tanach, discerning themes that may not be clear to the naked eye, will stay with me for a lifetime. At the end of the year, we studied Megillat Rut. In terms of "a first glance" type of view, the megillah appears to be a story about a woman who loses her sons, only to be joined by one of their Moabite wives, Rut, who eventually ends up marrying a man, Boaz; and together, they begin the lineage of King David. However, in classic Mrs. Perl fashion, there is so much more to this narrative. Over Shavout, I attended Mrs. Perl's fantastic class on Megillat Rut, and along with "bringing the sefer together," she displayed Rut as an individual who changed the course of history in a community of chaos.
So, what better way to look into Megillat Rut than to travel back in time to the mission of Avraham or the "Avraham Mission!" Avraham's job entailed the establishment of ethical monotheism in Israel, and the people were to follow what Avraham set the foundation for, obeying the mitzvot and acting with "Tzedek U'Mishpat." They were to recognize that G-d is the bestower of all success, and in addition, ensure that the downtrodden were not oppressed and even more, were cared for. The government was initially intended to be somewhat of a hierarchy, with Hashem presiding over the King, Navi, the Shoftim v'Shotrim, and the Kohen and Levi. Each were to have separate duties that only they alone could fulfill. Essentially, in this "ideal society," a centralized government was to be installed, motivating the people to continue to the mission of Avraham. As we saw in Devarim, if they did so, they would be rewarded with success. However, if they deviated from following the Torah wholeheartedly, they would be punished, in the form of enemies, famine, and exile. This is what really happened.
In reality, the cycle of sin consumed this period, with the Jews constantly falling into sin and idolatry, only to be saved by G-d, and then returning to their previous state. There was a decentralized government, a lack of leadership, and civil, religious, and social breakdowns. To be precise, "In those days (there was) no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his eyes." This already presents the premise for Rut: the Jewish people were in a state of chaos, which provides the impetus for Rut to be the leader and change the course of history.
From the beginning of the Sefer, at the end of the first Perek, we see the determination Rut possesses. She literally "sticks" to her mother-in-law Naomi, letting nothing faze her in her pursuit of being with Naomi, even though her heritage was Moabite. She assumed a new identity as a follower of Hashem, and clung to it. This is her first act of Chesed.
Later in the Sefer, we are introduced to Boaz, who we concluded had an obligation to help Naomi and Rut upon their arrival, despite us first deeming him a "good guy." Way to put a twist on that notion. However, Rut gives him the opportunity to grow, allowing him to be her redeemer. This eventually occurs, and Rut and Boaz marry. At the end of Megillat Rut, the lineage of King David is written. And who is the start of the family tree? Rut! Huzzah!
Rut was the restorer of the Avraham mission in a society that had both ignored and forgotten it. She accepted the Torah in its entirety, performing both the Mitzvot and "Tzedek U'Mishpat" despite being a foreigner that society frowned upon, even though they themselves were in a state of complete and utter immorality. As one last question, do you think that because Rut was the restorer of the "Avraham mission," she merited the start of the lineage that would lead to King David?
Mrs. Perl-I cannot believe this is my last blog post for your class. It seems like it's become a part of my weekly routine, and blogging has required me to analyze, reflect, and think critically about the ideas presented in class, although my 16 paragraphs from last year have been somewhat shortened. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher these past few years; I've learned lessons that extend beyond the classroom and concepts that apply to my daily life. We'll miss you in Memphis, but wish you the best of luck next year!
No comments:
Post a Comment