Jewish mysticism is full of such moments, raw and relatable. Today, we’re diving into a small but potent passage from the Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, a central text of Kabbalah, that uses the story of Ruth to explore themes of redemption and divine intervention.
The passage paints a vivid image: "And when she falls, she lies down in the dust between the legs." Stark, isn’t it? The Tikkunei Zohar sees this as a metaphor for the Shekhinah, the divine feminine presence, in exile. When the Shekhinah falls, it's a state of being distanced from the divine source, a kind of spiritual prostration.
Think of Ruth, a Moabite woman who chooses to stay with her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, after tragedy strikes. She's an outsider, a widow, and essentially penniless. Yet, she embodies incredible loyalty and courage. It's Ruth who, in the biblical story, "uncovered his feet and she lay down" (Ruth 3:7) at the feet of Boaz, a wealthy and righteous man.
The Tikkunei Zohar interprets this act as a prayer, a plea for redemption. "And She prays to the blessed Holy One, that He will raise Her up from the dust." It’s a powerful image of vulnerability and hope.
And what does Ruth ask of Boaz? "And you will spread your wing (khe-nafekha) over your maidservant, because you are a redeemer" (Ruth 3:9). The "wing" here isn't just a physical covering, but a symbol of protection, of divine grace, of being brought back into the fold. She's asking him to act as a vessel for divine redemption.
But there's a twist. The text continues, "At that time: ... and the man (iysh) was afraid, and he turned aside (va-yilaphet)..." Why is the man, Boaz, afraid? And who is this "man" anyway?
The Tikkunei Zohar connects this to Exodus 15:3: "Y”Y is a man (iysh) of war..." So, this isn't just about Boaz anymore. It's about God, about the divine masculine principle encountering this plea for redemption.
The fear, the turning aside (va-yilaphet), is interpreted through Job 6:18: "The paths of their way were turned aside (ye-laphtu)..." The Tikkunei Zohar is suggesting a moment of hesitation, a pause before divine action. Perhaps it represents the challenge inherent in bringing about redemption, the complexities involved in answering such a profound prayer.
What does this all mean?
We see a powerful dynamic between the feminine and masculine aspects of the divine, a plea for redemption from a place of vulnerability, and a moment of divine hesitation before action. It reminds us that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, the possibility of redemption always exists. And that sometimes, the greatest strength comes from lying in the dust and daring to ask for help.
So, next time you feel like you’re in the dust, remember Ruth, remember the Shekhinah, and remember that even a whispered prayer can set the wheels of redemption in motion. What "wing" will you ask to be covered by today?