A Journey of One Thousand Miles: the Story of Ruth and Naomi Read online

  Before Paloni could speak up, one of the elders raised a question, “Is the Father of the Court suggesting that it’s permitted to marry a Moavith?”

  Boaz smiled and turned towards the court. He had been waiting for this. Several passerbyers stopped upon hearing the challenge. It was a question circulating in BethleHem since Naomi’s return.

  “I have a tradition from my father, and he from his father, until Moshe, our teacher, that while the scriptures forbids a Moavi and an Amoni from entering the congregation of Yisrael, the prohibition does not extend to its women,” stated Boaz.

  “Mo-avi w’lo mo-avith, `amoni w’lo `amonith,” stated another elder, repeating the tradition he too had received. More passerbyers stopped to see the proceedings. Soon, a crowd gathered. Boaz was pleased. He wanted this law to be public knowledge.

  “Yet has it ever been done?” asked another elder.

  “Not to my knowledge,” offered Boaz. “No one from Moav or Ammon, male or female, sought to follow the Holy One of Yisrael and join His people … until Ruth.”

  An audible gasp escaped the lips of the elders and the crowd. Most of Yisrael’s jurisprudence operated on precedent. A tradition of a teaching was important, even crucial, but without actual precedent, it would be a daring thing to actually do.

  “How do the elders hold?” Gedaliyah presented the question.

  The other elders, nodded their heads, some less confidant than others, but, they all agreed that it was permitted.

  Gedaliyah voiced their response, “It is a valid tradition. One may marry a woman from Moav or Ammon, who accepts upon herself the yoke of Torah.”

  Another gasp was heard from the onlookers. The redeemer though was not convinced. His thoughts turned to MaHlon and Kilion. Fortune hadn’t smiled upon them when they married women from Moav. He didn’t want to be another test case.

  Paloni, the redeemer spoke up hurriedly, “I cannot, therefore redeem it, lest I endanger my own estate. You, Boaz, go ahead and redeem it yourself. I … I cannot do it.”

  Gedaliyah spoke to the redeemer. “Paloni ben Almoni, before this court of elders, please state your position on this property for which you are the rightful redeemer. The court bears witness.”

  The redeemer repeated, “I cannot redeem it. I transfer my right of acquisition to Boaz.” Paloni turned to Boaz, saying, “You now have the right of acquisition.”

  Gedaliyah prodded, “Remove your sandal.”

  The Redeemer startled, and then remembered himself. Property was transferred legally in Yisrael by the removal and transfer of one’s shoe. Paloni removed his sandal and handed it to Boaz.

  Boaz took to the shoe and turned towards the court. Addressing the elders he said, “The elders of the court and the entire nation are witness today that I have acquired from Naomi all the property of Elimelekh and his sons, Kilion and MaHlon. I have also acquired Ruth the Moavith, MaHlon’s wife, as my wife to establish the name of the deceased along with his inheritance, and so that his name will not be cut off from his brothers or from the gates of his place. You are all witnesses today.”

  Gedaliyah stood and the other elders followed his lead. They repeated the formula three times, “`edh’im - We are witnesses, we are witnesses, we are witnesses.” The people who had gathered to see the proceedings also repeated, “`edh’im.”

  Gedaliyah continued in the name of the court, “May the Holy One of Yisrael grant the woman who is coming into your home that she be like RaHel and like Leah, who together built the House of Yisrael. May you have valor in Efrathah and renown in Beth LeHem. May your house be like the house of Perets whom Tamar bore to Yehudah; from the seed which the Almighty will give you from this young woman.”

  Everyone in the gates, including Paloni, felt the blessing penetrate their hearts, and everyone responded heartily, “Amen.”

  ***

  Boaz and Ruth slowly walked down the stone path, side by side underneath a large outstretched canopy. The entire town seemed to line the path. The afternoon sun was already low in the western sky. Ruth shyly stole glances of her groom. His face seemed to glow even brighter than the time she first noticed. She felt as if it filled her with the light of the Almighty. All the spectators would have surely agreed that that light also spilled out from Ruth’s soul, enveloping her countenance as well. Ruth felt warm and happy.

  A small boy holding a rooster and a small girl holding a hen walked before them, symbolizing the hope for a fruitful marriage. Ruth caught a glimpse of Naomi, tears filling her eyes, walking behind the canopy. Ruth was proud to “share” her marriage with Naomi, for it was due to her merit. It was not lost on Ruth that a child from her union would be a redemption for her mother-in-law, a vindication from Heaven. Momentarily, her thoughts turned to her sister. She wished she could have been here with her. Her heart filled with a bittersweet image. Ruth wished her sister peace and happiness wherever she might be. She hoped her own happiness would serve as a blessing, sending her sister joy as well.

  Soon they reached the entrance to a low stone structure, which was to be Ruth’s new home. Several members of the congregation shouted the blessing, “W’yiten elokim mital ha-shamay’im umish’maney ha-arets, w’rov daghan w’thirosh. May the Almighty give you the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth, abundance of grain and wine.” The answer, “Amen,” resounded throughout the crowd.

  Boaz ushered his bride inside: yiHud, the first official time that they would be alone together. They would spend several moments inside, talking and touching for the first time, the first few flushes of intimacy, long enough for them to consummate the relationship, even though that would actually wait until the evening. They stayed in seclusion long enough to be considered officially wed. As they emerged from their privacy, the awaiting guests cheered, shouting blessings. Everyone escorted them to the courtyard of the estate, where tables and cushions were set up. The bride and groom were accompanied as king and queen to the head table. A basin and pitcher were placed before them, where they both washed their hands.

  Boaz, taking the flat bread in his hand, offered a benediction, “May the Almighty bless this meal, and this union. He has been so gracious, sustaining us with all our needs, providing us with the grains of the earth, and filling our storehouses with breads. May all of His blessings be acknowledged, and may we partake in them for His honor, sharing His bounty with all. May our every bite be for a blessing, for us, and for the entire nation of Yisrael.”

  “Amen,” the crowd responded, sealing the blessing with their approval.

  The elder then sat, tore a piece off of the flat bread and dipped it into wine vinegar, before eating it. He then tore another piece and offered it to his bride, smiling warmly at her as he did so. Then he quickly broke off pieces of bread, dipped them, and handed them to others nearby who spread them around to all the guests, till everyone had tasted a piece.

  Wine was poured into Boaz’s goblet and he stood. Looking out at the crowd, his eyes tried to connect with everyone there. Everyone returned a look of love and respect. He smiled. “I am so blessed,” he offered. He looked down at his bride, “so blessed.” Looking out at the crowd, he continued, “I am so blessed to be a part of such a people, whose very breath is a sanctification of the Holy One’s Name. May He fulfill our father Ya’aqov’s blessing, and may all our eyes be red with wine, and our teeth white with milk. Blessed is the Creator of All, may all our deeds be for His sake, and may this wine, which He, in His abundance, blessed us with, be for a blessing.”

  The congregation repeated the well worn phrase indicating the acceptance of his blessing as Boaz took a sip from the wine. He then held it to his bride’s lips, giving her to drink. Its sweet taste mixed with her tears, which insisted on streaming down her face. Many of the guests shared the same taste mixture in their wine cups.

  The festive meal continued well past the setting of the sun. Dishes of roasted lamb and go
at were interrupted periodically with sages offering words of wisdom, or those same sages spontaneously dancing before the bride and groom. One sage, an elder, in a burst of joy, grabbed three flaming logs and juggled them in front of the Boaz and Ruth. Soon another sage joined him and the two offered a spectacular performance, both consciously fulfilling the precepts enjoining them to rejoice with bride and groom and bring them happiness.

  Ruth was surprised that sages and elders would behave so, though she enjoyed the performance. When Boaz whispered in her ear, explaining the commandment to Ruth, she couldn’t contain her wonder. He explained that it wasn’t only for him that such sages would perform, but even the simple laborer would be treated like royalty on his wedding day. He himself, he confessed, had performed acrobatics at most of the community’s weddings.

  “The secret,” Boaz confided, “is to elevate the everyday and imbue it with a sense of holiness. Simply by fulfilling even a simple command of the King creates a bond between Creator and creation.”

  ***

  BethleHem

  Nine months later

  The room seemed crowded with women. Ruth wondered if there was enough air in the room. She certainly was having trouble breathing. She was squatting, straddling two large squared stones. A loose gown, now drenched with sweat hung from her shoulders. Several women hugged her sides, supporting her. Naomi hugged her, supporting her from behind, her face pressed against Ruth’s, her lips close to Ruth’s ears, offering instruction and words of encouragement.

  “Breath out, daughter, short breaths, “Naomi whispered, “Don’t resist the contraction. Don’t fight it. Try and focus through it.”

  The pain was incredible. Ruth had never experienced anything like this before. And it didn’t seem to end. Another contraction racked her body. She tried hard to listen to her mother-in-law’s advice but it was just too much pain. Blessings do not come without a price, she reminded herself. She tried to focus on what this incredible pain would bring her, but it was too much. Her breath caught, and she shook her head. She didn’t think she could do this. She wanted to stop. Her voice broke out into a scream.

  “A little longer,” shouted the midwife who was squatting before Ruth, her hands between her legs. “He’s already crowned. Now, my daughter, push!”

  Naomi echoed the midwife’s instructions, “Push, daughter. Help the child come forth.”

  Another contraction. More pain washed over Ruth, but she tried to focus and push with the pain. He was too big. There was no way that it could possibly exit her body. She so desperately wanted a child, but the pain was overwhelming. She pushed with all her might. She felt this extremely large object pushing out of her. She wanted this to be over already. She couldn’t do this. She needed to stop. It was too big. And then, the pain stopped. Ruth felt this object, her baby, slide out between her legs. She collapsed against her mother-in-law in exhaustion. The crying of a baby echoed throughout the room.

  “It’s a boy!” shouted the midwife, who was hurriedly cleaning the birthing fluids off the baby’s mouth and nose. She then held the baby in one arm, while tying off the umbilical. She cut the cord with a small flint knife she pulled from her belt. Another woman took the baby and wrapped him in a linen blanket. The midwife returned her attention to Ruth to make sure that the afterbirth exited as well.

  The baby was quickly handed to Naomi, who took it with one arm, her other continuing to support Ruth. “It’s a boy, my daughter. You’ve given birth to a son. Blessed is the Holy One.”

  Relief and joy washed over Ruth as she struggled to get a glimpse of her son, “A son. Praise the Almighty. A son.” Ruth remembered the words of her husband, Boaz, “True fulfillment and happiness only comes with effort.” She was spent from hers, but she had never felt so much joy.

  One of the women turned to Naomi, “Praised be the Almighty, Who has not left you without a redeemer. May his name be worthy in Yisrael. He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who gave birth to him and who loves you, is better to you than seven sons. ”

  “Amen,” answered the other women.

  Soon the news spread from the room, to the men outside. It then spread to all of BethleHem. “A son was born to Naomi.”

  Chapter 5

  The Journey Continues

  Ruth watched her son approach from a distance, and a tear came to her eyes. `Oved had grown into such a fine young man. A man: in truth, he would reach the age of majority, thirteen, in only a few short months. A lump formed in her throat. She wished her husband, Boaz, could have lived to see him. Everyone saw the elder sage in the boy. He was as gifted in the tradition, as he was generous and kind. She missed Boaz, and the light that shone in his eyes. She missed Naomi too. Her mother-in-law had finally gone to join her husband and children. Yet, Naomi had died full of life, content and complete.

  Life was bittersweet, thought Ruth. Her own life was a glaring example. There had been many difficult times, but, in truth, they only helped to augment the blessings the Holy One bestowed. It was clear that without the hardship, those moments of grace wouldn’t have come. They were worth every struggle, she decided, watching her son.

  Yet, of late, she had been disturbed by several vision, dreams and glimpses, that she could not interpret. In the hour before she awoke, they came. A dream about a boy being pursued by lions and bears. While it wasn’t her son in the dream, she felt connected to him, but she was forced to stand by and watch, unable to help. The boy overcame the lion and the bear, but something, she was never able to perceive what it was, would seem to fall from her. Like a seed, it would grow into a huge dog-like beast, who sought to crush the boy. She always awoke before the dream ended. It disturbed her, and she sought its meaning. For the moment, though, it eluded her. She prayed to the Holy One to send her clarity.

  `Oved rushed to his mother’s side. “Shalom alayikh, immi. Peace unto you, Mother,” he said excitedly. He gently kissed her hand, as his mother returned his greeting, “Shalom Alekha.”.

  “Well,” she said with a smile, “I see you have news. You can barely contain yourself.”

  He practically burst with joy. “The sage, Gedaliyah has agreed to take me as a student,” he nearly shouted. Gedaliyah succeeded Boaz as the Father of the Court, and to become his student was considered a singular honor.

  Ruth teared with joy. “Blessed is the Holy One,” she said, not being able to fathom a life more complete. Her thoughts turned to her sister. Moments like these always made her wonder if she had found what she had been searching for, too. She offered a silent prayer for her sister, as she pulled her son close in an embrace. The Holy One had given her so much.

  ***

  `Oved grew and followed in the footsteps of his father, Boaz. In time he married, and gave birth to a son, Yishai. Yishai, too, grew to be a sage and leader of his people. Yishai established a home in BethleHem like his fathers. He married Nitzeveth and they had many sons and daughters. Yishai was the father of Dawidh. Ths is the Dawidh who would one day face the giant Goliyath, Orpah’s son, in the valley of Eleh, champion the Holy One and restoring honor to His People.

  The direction of one step makes a tremendous difference.

  Ruth took one step, and the Holy One carried her on a journey of a lifetime. Through her steps, she came to merit being the ancestor of the beloved king of Yisrael. King Dawidh, may he live and endure forever.

  ###

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  D. Avraham

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  Glossary

  Places/Peoples

  `Aza – Gaza

  B’nei Yisrael – The Children of Israel

  BethleHem - Bethlehem

  Erets Yisrael/Yisrael – The Land of Israel/Israel

  Kna`an – Canaan

  Mitsrayim/Mitsri(m) – Egypt/Egyptian(s)

  P’lishtim/P’lishti - Philistines

  Yehudah – Judah/Judean

  Yarden – Jordan

  Yerikho – Jericho

  Yisrael - Israel

  Personalities (selected) and Roles

  Avimelekh- the title of the sitting head of the P’lishti Empire, it means, “my father-king.”

  Dawidh – David

  Goliyath - Goliath

  Kohen – Priest

  Kohen Gadol – High Priest

  Lewi - Levi

  Moshe – Moses

  Par`oh – Pharaoh, the title of the king of Egypt

  Samu’el – Samael, Satan

  Shimshon – Samson

  Sh’mu’el - Samuel

  Ya`aqov - Jacob

  Yishai - Jesse

  Y’hosh’u`ah – Joshua

  Measurements

  Amah/Amoth – Cubit(s), approximately the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger; also the name of the middle finger. It’s modern equivalent range from 43 to 55 centimeters.

  A Day’s Walk/March – The distance an average man can walk from sunup till sunset. Approximately 48 km.

  Beqa – weight measurement. One half of a sheqel

  Efah – a measure of capacity which is equal to three se’ah. There are several difference opinions as to its modern equivalent which range from 14.5 liters to approximately 25 liters.

  Kaneh - Reed. It equals 6 amoth.

  Kihar – Weight equivalent to 27 kilograms. 1500 Sheqel is equal to one Kikar.