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Oct 26, 1989
Three levels of readings review the Book’s personages: concrete setting, goodness, and, finally, darkness. One of the major themes of the Book is how to overcome strangeness. In general, Jewish tradition insists on every person’s right to be different. As a Jew, I must believe that having been a stranger in Pharaoh’s Egypt, I am therefore compelled to respect all strangers for what and who they are. I must not seek to change their ways or views. I must not try to make them resemble me. Every human being reflects the image of God, who has no image. In the model of Ruth, prospective converts are dissuaded, while converts are loved. The third level of analysis reveals that the narrative, from beginning to the end, is bathed in unfathomable suffering and darkness—except for Ruth herself. The Book’s end shows nothing is coincidence and everything in Jewish history is linked. And God moves a from seemingly inactive role to, as the Midrash says, doing His part. Above all, we owe Ruth King David, and our hope.
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