Study Guide

• The Lineage
  Recommended Source: Genesis chapter 38

  What does having King David coming from the line of a convert to Judaism intend to teach us?

  What does the connection between Judah and Tamar in chapter 38 of Genesis intend to teach us?

• Parshat Hashavua: Behar-Behukotai
  Refer to chapter 25, verses 35-36. This is one of the earliest references to the concept of "love your neighbor." How does Boaz live up to this ideal in the book of Ruth?

Week Four (May 20-26): In Our World Today
Mitzvah Project: Ruth goes with Naomi in spite of the fact that Naomi considered herself old. Check out some of your local old-age homes and go there alone or with your USY chapter. Bring some gifts for them and see if you can have a regular "adopted-grandparent."

• The Charity of Boaz
  What are the ways that Boaz shows charity to Ruth and Naomi? What do you think his motivations are for this?

  What step of the ladder of tzedakah would Boaz's actions fall under?

• Repairing the world in the Book of Ruth
  Recommended Source: Making a Real Difference in the World: 8 Jewish Texts Teach Us How To Do Tikun Olam by Danny Siegel

  Is Boaz the only character in the story to perform acts of charity? If no, then who else?

  What larger implications do the acts of Boaz have (i.e. What are the greater results of Boaz's charity)? ·

• Kindness to Strangers
  Recommended Story: "The Power of a Friend"
  (http://www.uinspire.com/SingleQuoteWrapper.asp?ContentCode=0000059832)

  What does Judaism teach us about kindness to strangers? How does Boaz exemplify these ideals?

  How can each of relate to the charity of Boaz and apply that to our lives today?

  In the story, what do we learn about the results of simple acts? How does this compare with the Book of Ruth?

• Beggars
  Recommended Source: Brother Can You Spare A Dime by Arthur Kurzweil

  How can we apply Boaz's treatment of beggars to our everyday lives?

  What possible projects could you and/or your USY chapter do help exemplify this mitzvah?