 |
|
Sponsor's Message
Dvar for Shavuot
Dearest Reader, Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar. This week's Dvar comes from Rabbi Tendler's "Rabbi's Notebook", which I highly recommend to anyone. While I'm on the subject of recommending, I strongly recommend you respond with comments, questions and suggestions, and I definitely recommend you enjoy Shavuot and this Dvar... * * * On Shavuot we read the story of Ruth, the great-grandmother of David Hamelech (king). We do so because tradition has it that King David was born and died on Shavuot. In honor of King David we read the story of his ancestral origins - the story of Ruth and Boaz. What is the connection between Ruth, Boaz, David and Shavuot? The story of Ruth and Boaz is the tale of two individuals who embraced their personal destinies as G-d's servants. Their sense of obligation was so strong that nothing could stand in the way of living life according to G-d's Torah. Ruth, as the former princess of Moav, chose a life of poverty rather than riches and power. Boaz, the Judge of his generation, willingly embraced a woman who was only appropriate for him because of the commandment to redeem his brother's name." From a social point of view Ruth was the most inappropriate wife for Boaz; however, because of her personal commitment to Torah and her extraordinary sense of humility, as well as Boaz's absolute commitment to the word of G-d and his personal humility, their match set in motion the birth of redemption. The lessons of Shavuot, the birth and death of King David, and the story of Ruth and Boaz are all linked to the Jewish mission of being the world's role models and teachers through selfless actions for the sake of the greater good. One need not set out to "teach the world". All one needs to do is follow G-d's commandments as best they individually could, and our actions will collectively improve the world. |
|
| Quotation of the Week (thanks to JessRess): |
| "It is better to be hated for what you are, then to be loved for
what you're not!" |
