And in this little snippet of that text, we find a moment of intense connection, and a gentle but firm assertion of self.
The verse we're focusing on is Ruth 1:16: "Do not beseech me to leave you or to return from following you." But the Rabbis, in their insightful way, see so much more within these words.
"Do not beseech me," Ruth says to Naomi. But according to Ruth Rabbah, as interpreted by Lerner, this isn't just a polite request. Ruth is actually saying, "Do not sin toward me." It's a powerful statement. She's asking Naomi not to hold back her own misfortunes, not to try and shield Ruth from the difficulties that lie ahead. Don't think, Ruth is saying, that trying to dissuade me is somehow doing me a favor.
Why? Because Ruth has already made up her mind. "Regardless," she declares, "my intention is to convert." But here's the kicker: "it is not better that my conversion be at your hands and not at the hands of another." It's a fascinatingly nuanced position. Ruth isn't rejecting Naomi, but she's asserting her own agency. She's choosing this path, not simply being led down it. She wants Naomi to know this isn't about her out of pity or obligation.
Naomi, understanding the depth of Ruth's commitment, then begins to explain some of the realities of Jewish life. According to Ruth Rabbah, Naomi presents the laws of converts. "My daughter," she says, "it isn't the way of Israel to go to theaters and places of amusement, but rather to synagogues and houses of study." She's painting a picture of a life dedicated to community, to learning, to spiritual growth. And she adds, "it is not the way of Israel to go more than two thousand cubits (from civilization) on Shabbat," referring to the restrictions on travel during the Sabbath.
To each of these points, Ruth has a ready answer, echoing the powerful words of the original verse. When Naomi speaks of synagogues and study, Ruth replies, "Wherever you go I will go." When Naomi speaks of Shabbat restrictions, Ruth again responds, "Wherever you go I will go."
Then Naomi continues, "And it is not the way of Israel to live in a house that doesn't have a Mezuzah" (a small parchment scroll containing biblical verses, affixed to the doorpost).
And Ruth's unwavering response? "Wherever you lie I will lie."
This isn't just about following the rules. It's about embracing a way of life, a culture, a people. Ruth isn’t just saying she'll do what's required; she's saying she'll share in Naomi's life, in every aspect, from the sacred to the mundane.
The Rabbis, in Ruth Rabbah, are showing us the depth of Ruth's conviction. This isn't a casual decision. This is a soul aligning itself with a new destiny, a new people, a new God. It's a powerful testament to the human capacity for change, for growth, and for unwavering commitment. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest journeys begin with the simplest of declarations: "Wherever you go, I will go." And perhaps, in our own lives, we can find inspiration in Ruth's steadfast spirit, in her willingness to embrace the unknown, and in her unwavering commitment to the path she has chosen.