As we approach the Yom Tov of Shavuot, my mind seems to turn to the true heroine of this Holiday, Ruth. She indeed represents all that is beautiful in Judaism and, more so, she epitomizes true dedication to a Torah oriented way of life. Not only did Ruth join the congregation of Hashem, but for her commitment to Yiddishkeit she merited to become the ancestor of the Moshiach. A tremendous Z'chut for a Jewish Woman.
This achievement indicates that her conversion was not simply an exterior type of conversion, but rather a true metamorphosis at the core of her being.
Ruth is cataloging her transformation when she declares to her mother-in-law Naomi " כי אל אשר תלכי אלך עמך עמי אלוקיך אלוקי" "Your G-d is my G-d. Wherever you go, I shall go. And your people are my people." It is a change of belief, a change in nationality, a change in lifestyle, and a definite change in theology. Ruth does not run away from accepting a new way of life, but rather she runs after her new identity with great enjoyment and awareness.
More so, Ruth becomes the epitome of loving kindness. Her ancestors were so cruel that they would not give the Israelites travelling through the dessert a piece of bread or a drink of water and here was Ruth acting in total opposition by assuming responsibility for her mother-in-law and for all her needs by working in the fields in a truly humble fashion.
Ruth and Shavuot speak of change. The story tells us we can overcome any obstacles that stand in our way and it is relating to us that individuals can transcend their environment and engender change.
This is my lesson for this Shavuot, and may we be Zocheh to meet the progenitor of Ruth, our Beloved Moshiach in the very near future.
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