Megillat Ruth Mesorat HaRav—Wintman Family Edition
With commentary on Megillat Ruth and the Torah Readings of Shavuot. Based on the teachings of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, compiled and edited by Reuven Mohl.
OU Press and Koren Publishers, Jerusalem
Megillat Ruth Mesorat HaRav is a tribute to the halachic and philosophical contributions of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, familiarly known as “the Rav.” This commentary on Megillat Ruth intertwines the narrative of Ruth with the broader themes of Jewish destiny, covenant and spiritual transformation. The Rav sees Ruth’s journey, from a Moabite outsider to the “matriarch of monarchy,” as a quintessential model of commitment to Jewish life.
Reuven Mohl, the editor of the commentary on Ruth as well as on the Torah readings and Haftarot of Shavuot, skillfully collated the Rav’s insights from a wide variety of works. To give one example: The Rav highlights Ruth’s declaration of loyalty to Naomi—”Your people is my people; your G-d is my G-d”—as a profound statement of the principles underlying conversion. This duality, joining the Jewish people and embracing their G-d, reflects the basis of conversion, which entails both a commitment to the Jewish people and a full acceptance of the Divine commandments. The Rav emphasizes that entering the Jewish community requires accepting two covenants: the covenant of fate, which binds Jews through shared history and collective suffering, and the covenant of destiny, which charges them with the responsibility to fulfill G-d’s commandments and pursue an elevated moral and spiritual life. This interpretation deepens the reader’s appreciation of Ruth’s words, transforming them into a powerful theological statement. The Rav’s perspective on conversion goes beyond the formalities of circumcision and immersion, framing it as a profound existential rebirth.
In addition, the volume contains a section of Reshimot—in-depth halachic discussions—compiled by Rabbis Eliyahu Krakowski and Moshe Genack. This section provides detailed explorations of topics related to the holiday of Shavuot, including: the controversy with the Sadducees over the date of Shavuot, different aspects of the mitzvah of Torah study, the blessings recited over Torah study, and the conversion of the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. The Reshimot section also includes an adaptation of an essay on the acceptance of mitzvot in conversion by Rabbi Ahron Soloveichik, the Rav’s youngest brother, which presents an important contribution to understanding this fundamental topic.
In one of the Reshimot, the Rav examines the concept of “the crown of Torah,” and explains it as follows:
The “crown” means the elevation and enhancement of an individual. The Torah purifies, sanctifies and bestows beauty upon a person, as we find in Proverbs (4:8): “Extol her, and she will exalt you; she will bring you honor when you embrace her.” Through Torah study, one merits not only Torah knowledge and wisdom but also personal sanctity and purity. Coarseness vanishes and, in its place, comes sensitivity. Superficiality is replaced by depth of thought. Through the Torah, a new personality is forged. Man’s spirit is broadened, his ethical awareness heightened . . . . When the Torah is absorbed within a person and sanctifies him, it sheds a brilliant light and opens new gates of understanding. One gains not only a store of wisdom but also discernment and depth, the power to innovate and create. The development of these strengths is an outgrowth of receiving a crown resembling that of the kohen gadol upon whose head and eyes is poured anointing oil, so that he can see what is hidden from the eyes of ordinary men and comprehend that which is concealed from commoners.
To this we can add, “re’uyim hadevarim lemi she’amaran—these words are fitting for the one who spoke them.” Those who seek depth of thought, discernment and understanding know that Rabbi Soloveitchik’s ideas do not disappoint. Megillat Ruth Mesorat HaRav is a profound work that offers fresh insights into one of the most inspiring Biblical texts and into the holiday on which we relive the acceptance of the Torah and the conversion of the Jewish people. This work illuminates the enduring relevance of Ruth’s story.