MEGILAS RUS
Why do we read Megilas Rus on Shavuos?
1. Yosef Da'as to Yevamos 47:p4, ד"ה ויושבים וקורין
PEREK 1
When did the events in Megilas Rus take place? What sources do the commentators grapple with in this regard?
Why were Elimelech and his sons punished?
What acts of Chesed had Rus and Orpah already done?
Did Rus convert before her return with Naomi, or only afterwards? How could Na'omi encourage her to return with Orpah "to their gods"? And in any event, even Nochrim are forbidden to worship idols, as one of the 7 Mitzvos of Bnei Noach!
PEREK 2
Why did Rus opt to collect Leket, rather than Pe'ah? In what other ways did her actions in the field reveal her wisdom?
The Gemara (Shabbos 113) objects to this statement, "Was it Boaz's practice to 'stick' to women!?" But Boaz was merely advising Rus, that she should do so!
How old was Rus when she converted? Why did Boaz assure Rus that her "reward would be whole"?
PEREK 3
The Gemara tells us that Na'omi told Rus to don her Shabbos clothing. What is unique about the clothing of Shabbos?
1. Yosef Da'as to Shabbos 113:p3, ד"ה ורחצת
What is the symbolism in the Mitzvos of Yibum and Chalitzah, and their meaning for the soul of the departed? In what sense would the marriage of Boaz and Rus be a Yibum?
Was the gift merely six barley kernels? The Gemara explains that they allude to righteous descendants; how so?
PEREK 4
What is the role of a "redeemer" of sold property, in the Halachic sense?
Why did Bo'az turn first to the city gate, where the elders were to be found, rather than go directly to the redeemer's door to ascertain his intentions?
What rights did Naomi have in her husband's field? A wife does not inherit her husband!
What basis did Boaz have for setting marriage to Rus as a condition for redeeming the field?
A sold field may not be redeemed from the purchaser, for at least two years (Arachin 29b)! Several months (at most) had passed since Naomi and Rus returned, so how could the field be redeemed at this point?
Why may male Amoni and Moavi converts not marry into Yisrael? What determined the Halacha that their female converts can in fact marry into Yisrael?
If the above Halacha was already publicized, why was the "redeemer" concerned "lest he ruin his progeny"? Why on the other hand was Boaz not concerned?
Was Boaz acquiring the field from Naomi - or from a buyer who had already purchased it from her? In either event, why did Boaz enact a Kinyan with his relative, who had opted not to purchase the field?
