Explore every episode of the podcast Megillas Ruth with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 37 ~ ' The Biblical Scroll of Ruth is arguably the most unusual book in our entire Canon. Although it was ostensibly written to document the lineage of King David and the eternal House of Jewish Royalty he founds, there are many detailed and overarching messages that transcend the technicalities of establishing Israel's Royal Bloodline. This concluding 40th Episode opens by highlighting some of the scroll's general inspirational teachings. Then dipping deeply into secret wisdom of Kabbalah; a redemptive illustration of life, purpose and creation itself is sketched in illuminating mystical brushstrokes!

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 36 Chapter 4, Lesson 7 Women of Great Virtue Comfort and encourage Naomi to foster the Blessed Boy as her own child. He will become a source of Comfort, Joy and Blessing for his Mother and Grandmother, and a source of redemption and salvation for all of Israel they prophecy!

Megillat Ruth in Depth Part 28- Chapter 3, Lesson 10 "Boaz and Ruth’s Vigil in the Dark" The longest night in history!

Megillat Ruth in Depth Part 27 Chapter 3, Lesson 9 Reassuring Ruth! Boaz must now explain why accepting Ruth’s marriage proposition isn't so simple; although he intends on following through – for now the challenge of a closer relative stands in the way. Knowing that his response will likely disappoint and disillusion the sensitive young Princess – the burden of believable reassurance is now his. Tenderly blessing her, and emphasizing her obvious nobility of character and intention, he delineates the impediment. Remarkable depth and meaning are encoded into these seemingly simple sentences which resonate with profundity!

Megillat Ruth in Depth Part 26 Chapter 3, Lesson 8 Boaz’s Response: Righteous or Racy?

Megillat Ruth in Depth Part 25 Chapter 3, Lesson 7 The brash and brazen nature of her approach notwithstanding, Ruth tactfully conveys her ultimate goal: holy matrimony! She even makes the case for it, because “you’re a redeemer.” Rashi elucidates: “Since it's incumbent upon you to redeem my [late husband’s] estate [so it remains in the family] “take possession” of me, too, so his name will be perpetuated on his property.” Discover the true meaning of this seemingly strange logic, as we learn to understand and know how material possessions can become a vehicle for soul transportation and transformation!

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 6 (PT 24) "In the Middle of the Night... Ruth’s shocking nocturnal rendezvous with Boaz... Book of Ruth" , (Chapter 3; 8-9)

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 5 (PT 23) The Creative, Yet Faithful, Follower: Setting deep misgivings aside; Ruth chooses to follow Naomi’s spiritual intuition – placing implicit trust her inspired vision and guidance. Yet, for all her faithfulness she does not surrender her own instinctual wisdom; artfully charting her own course to ensure protection and success in stealthily moving into the shady circumstances her mother-in-law has ordained. This class further demonstrates why Ruth is a heroine of the ages; with her unique synergy of acceptance and loyal devotion balanced with healthy confidence and self-actualization. It also continues to illuminate dubious shadows naturally cast on one of the most unconventional and seemingly immodest biblical narratives.

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 4 (PT 22) "Truth or Dare" Revealing final details of her daring plan, Naomi, in effect seeks to force a historic moment of truth upon Boaz. Despite the likelihood of great indignity and even possible danger, Ruth humbly and respectfully agrees to follow her mother-in-law's advice. The die is now cast, the stage is set and an evening of destiny is about to unfold!

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 3 (PT 21) "Dressed to the Nines" Setting her daring plan into action, the ever detail-oriented Naomi gives her shy and attractive daughter-in-law instructions on how to prepare for her date with destiny. The surprising “meddling mother-in-law” advice: bathe, groom and wear a nice dress seem totally inappropriate. Wouldn't a young Princess know how to prepare on her own?! In this remarkable look behind the veil you'll discover how the scriptural terminology like “cleansing, fragrant oil and festive attire” includes a deeply meaningful and spiritual subtext.

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 2 (PT 20) "An Inconvenient Truth" The dramatic plot thickens as Naomi begins to detail her daring plan. In addition to superbly clarifying the straightforward meaning and nuances of this seemingly enigmatic verse; an overarching new perspective is introduced. Discover the real rhyme and reason Naomi felt compelled to send her beloved daughter-in-law Ruth into this dangerous date with destiny, as you learn why our heroine can only succeed by taking this proverbial walk on thin ice; forcing Boaz to consider and make one of the most pivotal decisions in Jewish history!

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 5 (PT 13) Lunch-Date with Destiny. Our humble heroine is invited to lunch with the plantation employees. She modestly sits away from the raucous male-dominated meal; eats little yet finds herself remarkably satiated. Boaz goes out of his way to make Ruth comfortable; demonstrating the virtues of Torah-true hospitality. Incredibly, each detail of this meager meal overflows with deep meaning and profound premonition.

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 35 Chapter 4, Lesson 6 Within hours of the Courtroom Betrothal, a hastily arranged Chuppah and wedding followed and that night Boaz brings Ruth home. Sadly, he dies soon thereafter, yet she had already conceived and exactly nine months after their marriage -- dispelling salacious rumors, and proving the legitimacy of Boaz's offspring -- she bore his son who would become the founder of the Davidic Dynasty!

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 4 (PT 12) A Princess of Interest. As the plot thickens, our heroine, the beautiful young pauper-princess Ruth, is overwhelmed by the warm welcome and special attention paid to her by the older wealthy plantation owner Boaz. He in turn reveals why she is a person of great interest to him. Discover how this biblical conversational give-and-take is at once fascinating, inspirational and even instructional!

Megillat Ruth in Depth:Chapter 2, Lesson 3 (PT 11) The Divinely Designed Meeting of Destiny. Boaz now meets Ruth face-to-face for the very first time. While there's no “instant magic,” the older judge immediately eases the anxiety of the poverty-stricken younger Princess; while moving to better her lot and provide prominence, plentiful hydration, and paternal protection. His brief words are filled with multiple meanings, and beautiful life lessons for us to emulate.

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 2 (PT 10) Divine Design and the Welfare Queen! In this fascinating class, continuing to study the second chapter of Megillat Rut, we discover how Boaz, Naomi’s affluent cousin, notices the beautiful Moabite Princess who’s been reduced to scrounging for survival, yet remarkably most modestly maintains her dignity. Be amazed at how seemingly inconsequential details of this ancient narrative are a source of inspiration for our lives today.

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 1 (PT 9) Rich and Powerful Relatives

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 8 (PT 8) Ruth: Return or Reincarnation?

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 7 (PT 7) Arrival in Bethlehem

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 6 (PT 6) Ruth's Remarkable Resolve

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 5 (PT 5) The Parting of Princesses

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 4 (PT 4) Dissuasion of Potential Converts

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 1, Lesson 3, (PT 3) Journey to Judea: A Fateful Resolve to Return

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 34 Chapter 4, Lesson 5 Responding to Boaz’s call, the mix assemblage of Prominent Sanhedrin Judges and ordinary Bethlehem Citizenry duly witness the Legal Proceedings of the Legacy Estate Transfer as well as a Historic Marriage. The crowds then burst forth in a torrent of well-wishing, showering the couple with Bountiful Biblical Blessings. Here we explore the rich symbolism encoded into the string of Legendary Ancestors and Events that are woven into the fabric of the warm wishes and blessings they bestowed on that Day of Davidic Destiny!

Assimilation, Intermarriage and Dissolution: Megillat Rut in Depth, Chapter 1, Lesson 2 (PT2)

Self-Preservation and Its Fatal Consequences: Megillat Rut in Depth, Chapter 1, Lesson 1 (PT 1)

Megillat Ruth in Depth: Chapter 3, Lesson 1 (PT 19) Naomi’s Radical Plan: “Truth or Dare” As a new chapter opens, the narrative undergoes a paradigm shift. Henceforth, it is no longer Ruth the righteous convert driving the process, but rather her aristocratic mother-in-law, Naomi. With the ripening of a new reality, and in pursuit of her daughter-in-law's permanent security and stability, she introduces a daring plan that is anything but conventional! Rather than minimizing or glossing over the shocking nature of the course of action being outlined, this class embraces and tackles the challenge head on.

Megillat Rut in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 10 (PT 18) Moabite Misgivings! In the final verses of chapter two, the righteous Ruth is suddenly again entitled Moabite. Is this indicative of moral regression, and why did she change key details in recounting Boaz’s generous offer? This class richly illustrates realistic virtues of character development and highlights the true meaning of ‘relationship integrity.’

Megillat Rut in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 9 (PT 17) Ruth, Royalty and Redemption. Decoding a deceptively casual conversation; we reveal a subtext laden and layered with deep meaning and historical context. The wide-ranging commentary encompasses an extraordinary swath of Torah concepts; including the continued relationship between the living and the dead, ownership of Israel, the power of a blessing, Levirate marriages, possessed by a spirit, conversion, ancient national enmities, the political science of patriotism all set in a sweep of history spanning nearly six centuries!

Megillat Rut in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 8 (PT 16) Ruth’s Field Report. Ruth’s safe return relieves Naomi, yet she anxiously inquires about her daughter-in-law's surprising success; who in turn excitedly reports on the day’s amazing harvest happenings. This careful study of their conversation and accompanying innuendo reveals much about both exceptional women and teaches us important life lessons!

Megillat Rut in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 7 (PT 15) Ruth Returns. Spending the balance of the day diligently collecting gleanings in the harvesting fields, Ruth finds extraordinary success. As the shadows grow longer she happily prepares to head back home to Naomi. These verses contain no verbal exchanges, but our heroine’s thoughtful actions speak louder than words – colourfully painting a portrait of exceptional humility, grace and insight!

Megillat Rut in Depth: Chapter 2, Lesson 6 (PT 14) Ruth’s Return to Royalty. On the heels of an unexpectedly warm welcome and generous lunch invitation, the “pauper princess” modestly rises to resume gathering gleanings. Her alacrity and buoyed spirits is understood to speak volumes. Seeking the restoration of Ruth’s royal self-esteem, a concerned Boaz sensitively instructs the farmhands to purposefully protect her dignity—without making it obvious.

Megillat Ruth in Depth -Part 33 Chapter 4, Lesson 4 Boaz now swiftly moves to acquire the entire estate that had formally belonged to his kinsman Elimelech and his children. Yet this acquisition will be about far more than a significant expansion his heirloom plantation portfolio. In purchasing these fields, the respected Judge is poised to Perpetuate the Family Bloodline, Lineage and Legacies!

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 32 Chapter 4, Lesson 3 The verbal recusal of the Phantom First-in-Line is insufficient for Boaz. Before moving into the Batters Box, he wants the agreement formalized. Only then will he be ready to Make His Move. Traditionally, transactions were ratified by virtue of a Ceremonial Shoe Exchange. This methodology will now be employed to Seal the Deal as a Legal Act of Acquisition, handing Boaz Rights to Purchase Perpetuity. Yet notwithstanding the legal technicalities, a Title Search leads us to Dig Deeper and Discover a surprise Treasure of untapped potential!

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 32 Chapter 4, Lesson 2 With no small measure of guile, Boaz cleverly and strategically throws down the Gauntlet: Step Up, or Step Aside he challenges the Phantom relative; its high time for the Real Redeemer to please rise! But are Real Estate and Matrimony really a Match made in Heaven, and can one honestly engage if shady dealings yet maintain full integrity?

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 31 Chapter 4, Lesson 1 With great alacrity, Boaz moves to fulfill his promise. But obstacles must first be overcome, as to marry Ruth, first he must get a phantom Uncle Tov to step aside! The righteous do their part and that causes Hashem to do His. Divine Providence miraculously arranges the meeting, and then the action begins!

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 30 Chapter 3, Lesson 12 As dawn is breaking, yet still under the cover of dark Ruth stealthily returns to Naomi's home. A cryptic conversation ensues and the door opens. Ruth tells her wise mother-in-law all that transpired and while she is prepared to return to the fields, Naomi insists she stay Home for the Harvest!

Megillat Ruth in Depth - Part 29 Chapter 3, Lesson 11 (Verses 14 - 16) After a long night of torturous Temptation, succesfully overcome dawn mercifully arrives. Before day fully breaks, and tongues begin to wag... Boaz and Ruth must escape under the cover of dark. But before the leave, Boaz finds it important that he first gift Ruth Six Grains of Barley. What was that all about and why was such a paltry offering of urgent importance!