1. Why is food – namely, bread and famine – such an important motif in the story?
2. Why must King David and, ultimately, the Messiah, emerge from such an unusual gene pool – the union of Boaz, the leader of his generation and head of Sanhedrin and Ruth, a destitute, Moabite convert who traces her lineage to Lot and Sodom?
3. Why does hesed (kindness) lie at the heart of the most important existential paradox of Creation?
4. Why do Hazal (our Sages) describe kabbalat haTorah (the receiving of the Torah) as coercive? And how does this relate to Megillat Ruth?
5. Why is questionable and suggestive behavior such an important ingredient in the creation of malkhut Yisrael (the kingdom of Israel) from Ruth and Boaz in the granary to David and Avishag at the coronation of Solomon?
6. What is the true nature of geirut (conversion)?
7. Why is yibum (levirate marriage) the core concept of Megillat Ruth?
Rising Moon answers these and many other questions that define the nature of the Jewish soul.
This has been a breathtaking read of Ruth. I already loved the sefer, but now, with Rabbi Miller’s commentary — I’ve been blown away. The depth, nuance, and innovative chiddushim have given me a new perspective to the megillah. And basically everything he says is rooted in chazal. A perfect read for Shavuot.
For the first time I realize the the Book of Ruth is really about Jewish destiny
My wife and I read this together. First of all, we found the book to be well written. That’s important. Furthermore, I find that Midrashim and Aggadot in the Gemora seem to provide a whole new dimension to the Tanach but it is often hard to decipher what exactly they mean. Rabbi Miller decoded it and presents everything in a clear but highly captivating manner. And true to form, Chazal see huge, sweeping themes in the book of Ruth – from creation to the end of time. I hate this cliche but for thinking Jews, this is a “must read.”
Fascinating! Chock full of stimulating ideas and references. Opens a whole new perspective about Jewish history and world history, and governance. I haven’t finished the book yet, but I highly recommend it. Extremely well written.