On the holiday of Shavuos, we read the book of Ruth, a moving story about a woman who, after her husband died, chose to take care of her mother-in-law and to join the Jewish People rather than return to her home in the palace and to reclaim her role as the princess of Moab. Because of her merit, she became the grandmother of King David, from whom the Messiah will be descended.
Ruth showed her sincerity in wanting to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even when there was no apparent advantage. Naomi told her and her sister, Orpah, “I have no sons left for you to marry.” Orpah tried to sound as if she wanted to stay with Naomi, but eventually, she returned to the palace. Ruth, however, was steadfast, and after having been discouraged three times, she still insisted on staying with Naomi. From Ruth’s example, we derive the law that all potential converts should be turned away three times to test their sincerity. When Ruth declared “Your people will be my people, and you G-d will be my G-d” she made a commitment to Naomi and to the Jewish faith.
Ruth’s life in the land of Israel was a far cry from the luxury of the palace in Moab. She had to gather grain from the fields. Boaz, who would be her husband, noticed the modesty and dignity with which she worked, and realized that she was no ordinary woman. Ruth, however, did not flaunt this quality, but it was a trait she had naturally. Because of Ruth’s dignity, even in a situation which might have depressed an ordinary woman, (i.e. her fall in status) earned her the praise and love of Boaz. The two married, and Jesse, David’s father, was their son. Ruth was from the land of Moab, a country which had a very bad reputation, since the Moabites refused even to sell the Jewish People water as they journeyed in the desert. However, Ruth, with her sincere and generous nature, transcended her background, and her virtues were passed down to her children and grandchildren.