Study Guide

• Biblical Conversion:
  What steps does one have to take to convert to Judaism?

  Are we supposed to encourage someone to convert if they wish to do so?

  How, if at all, does Ruth's going with Naomi compare with a proper Jewish conversion?

• Modern Conversion:
  Recommended Source: Who is a Jew? Conversations, Not Conclusions by Meryl Hyman

  Would Ruth's "conversion" be accepted by all branches of Judaism?

• Ruth and Naomi:
  Recommended Source: Samuel (18-1-3)

  In chapter 1, what do you think draws Ruth to stay with Naomi?

  How would you describe their relationship? Is it friendship or is more of a maternal relationship?

  How does the friendship between Ruth and Naomi compare with that of David and Jonathan?

  It has been said that the ideal friendship is one like that of David and Jonathan, where the two people have no hidden motives for being friends, and that the friendship is independent of any outside factors? Can this be applied to Ruth and Naomi?

• Ruth and Boaz:
  Recommended Sources: Shir Hashirim and Kohelet, Mishnah (Sefer Nashim Ch. 1)

  How does "love" in the book of Ruth compare with the love described in these other two megillot?

  How does the cynicism presented in Kohelet get supported or refuted by what we see in Ruth?

  Are Ruth and Boaz in love, or do they marry out of necessity? How does the mishnah's concept of a levirate marriage come into play in the Book of Ruth (Look in Mishnah Sefer Nashim Ch. 1)?

• Parshat Hashavua: Emor
  Recommended Source: Zot HaTorah by Jane Ellen Golub with Joel Lurie Grishauer

  Hillul God is defined as profaning God's name. Does Naomi's telling the people to call her "Marah" because of her bitterness constitute that? Why or why not?

  Do Ruth and/or Naomi hallow (Kiddush God) God's name through their actions in the story?