Study Guide

• The Joy in the End
  Naomi's name literally means "pleasantness" in Hebrew. Earlier we hear her tell people to call her "Marah" for bitterness. Would she have them call her that by the end of the story? Why or why not?

  What does the story of Naomi and Ruth teach us about persevering in the midst of tragedy?

  Do you think that Naomi and/or Ruth were rewarded? Why or why not?

• Ruth and Shavuot
  Why do you think that the Book of Ruth is read on Shavuot?

  Shavout is referred to as "zman matan torateinu" (the time of the giving of the Torah). How, if at all, does this relate to the book of Ruth? What parts of the story allude to aspects already taught in the Torah?

Leil Shavuot
Congratulations for making it all the way! You should be very proud of yourself for being able to study so much and remain so committed. Yasher Koach! For the eve of Shavuot, it is customary for many to stay up all-night and study in preparation of the festival of Shavuot. To allow you for some flexibility, we will not be giving you a specific topic for this evening. If you having something you have been dying to study, go for it! Here are, however, a few various suggestions that we have for possible topics:

• Ruth is considered to be a feminist hero in Jewish tradition. Do you believe this is so? Take a look at other famous women in Jewish history and see how they compare in the "marks" that they left on our tradition.
• What type of role does Naomi play in the story? We discussed it is possible that she could be the real hero of the story, but what place should she or does she hold in Jewish history? What other figures hold the same significance?
• What lessons in this story do we learn about interactions with people in the book of Ruth? How can these lessons relate to our everyday lives? In our lives as Jews?

Obviously these topics will not last you the whole night; they are intended to spark your interest into topics. Feel free to choose your own topics. You've earned it!