Rabbi Joe Wolfson, who serves the JLIC community in Tel Aviv, joins Mijal to explore the profound themes of the Book of Ruth. They discuss Ruth's unwavering loyalty against societal challenges and the moral failures of leaders like Eli Melech. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness and community resilience in contemporary times, especially during Shavuot. The duo redefines 'chesed' to emphasize active engagement in community organizing, demonstrating how individual acts of kindness can lead to broader societal change.
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insights INSIGHT
Ruth Contrasts Judges' Despair
The Book of Ruth contrasts the despair and societal breakdown in the Book of Judges. - Ruth's story shows the possibility of hope arising from kindness during dark times.
insights INSIGHT
Power of Quiet Kindness
Small acts of kindness without an audience drive real historical change. - These quiet deeds bring a people out of darkness without needing to shake the world.
insights INSIGHT
Kindness as Political Change
Acts of kindness are a political theory of change. - They move a people from despair to redemption by shifting history through small, unseen actions.
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The Book of Judges recounts the history of Israel from the death of Joshua to the birth of Samuel, detailing cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance through judges appointed by God. It explores themes of faithfulness, mercy, and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
The book of Ruth
A Popular Exposition
Samuel Cox
This book is a comprehensive analysis of the Book of Ruth, focusing on the story of Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi and her eventual integration into the Hebrew community. It explores themes such as the power of love to overcome prejudices, the virtues of Ruth that earned her respect and admiration, and the religious significance of her story. The exposition emphasizes Ruth's self-sacrificing affection for Naomi and her faith in the God of Israel, illustrating how natural affection can lead to a deeper religious commitment.
Between Slobodka and Berlin
Between Slobodka and Berlin
Hillel Goldberg
Life and Faith
Life and Faith
Vasilik Brosman
Mijal was so inspired by her conversation with Noam on the meaning of Shavuot that she decided to dive even deeper in this bonus episode on the Book of Ruth (Megillat Rut). Mijal is is joined by her original podcast partner, Rabbi Joe Wolfson. Together, they explore the Book of Ruth, its profound relevance for today’s Jewish world—especially in the wake of October 7 and ongoing challenges in Israel and the diaspora. This conversation is a perfect way to kick off Shavuot, a holiday deeply connected to learning and the study of Torah.
Here's a link to Mijal and Rabbi Joe's podcast, Downtown Drash:
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Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam 
