We will start with Havdalah and then read the Book of Ruth. After that each teacher will give a short-but-sweet insight into a different aspect of the Megillah. You are invited to download the materials on each insight to study over Yomtov (downloads available below). You are still welcome to come and learn with us even if you don’t manage this.

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Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand

The Ancestors of the Messiah
What should we make of the fact that King David (from whom the Messiah will descend) is himself descended from three women (Ruth, Tamar, and Lot’s daughters) who pushed/crossed sexual boundaries?

Download Rabbi Shoshana's study text

Rabbi Chaim Weiner 

Reading between the lines of Ruth
A close reading of the text reveals what really happened that night on the threshing floor, and more …

Download Rabbi Chaim's study text

Adam Wagner

Caring for strangers 
The Book of Ruth, concentric circles and human rights

Rabbi Zahavit Shalev 

How old was Ruth?
Artists who have depicted the story have had to decide how old the characters were. What clues are there in the text and what difference does it make?

Download Rabbi Zahavit's study text

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg

What is gleaning?
"Ruth amid the alien corn.” 

Download Rabbi Jonathan's study text