Page 31 - Hamizrachi #30 USA 2021 Yom Yerushalayim - Shavuot

HOLIDAY READING

Rabbanit Dr. Tamar Meir

What is so Special about Boaz?

hat really happened that and seeking a wife and she is available within him, rather than an object or tool
night on the threshing floor, and seeking a husband; you know that a for personal use.
and why is Boaz one of the marriage can be consummated through Ruth replies with words I think should
Wmost impressive men in relations. Get up and lay with her, and she be read in one breath, fast, frightened.
Tanach? will be your wife!’ So Boaz swore to his She must say everything and ask quickly.
“Boaz ate and drank, and in a cheerful yetzer hara and told him, ‘As the L-rd lives,’ Now. This is her chance. Now or never: “I
mood went to lie down beside the grain I will not touch this woman! And to her am your maidservant, Ruth. Spread your
pile. Then she [Ruth] went over stealthily he said, ‘Lie down until morning’.” (Sifre robe over your maidservant, for you are a
and uncovered his feet and lay down. In the Bamidbar 88) redeemer” (3: 9).
middle of the night, the man gave a start At this moment, when Boaz awakens There is so much anxiety in this
and pulled back – there was a woman lying after eating and drinking, ostensibly aware moment, so much fear and uncertainty.
at his feet!” (Ruth 3:7-8) of himself and his body, the greatness of his But Boaz is not just a great person; it turns
Ruth comes at night to the threshing spirit and soul are revealed. out he has a deep understanding of the
floor. This is her last chance – at least, thus human psyche as well. He tells her exactly
believes Naomi, who cares so much for her. what she needs to hear in that moment:
Ruth is willing to pay the price. She comes I do not think badly of you. You are
to the threshing floor and knows that When the person wonderful. You are righteous. Good for
anything can happen there. That no one you. I appreciate you: “Be blessed of the
promises her anything. With her status – across from me L-rd, daughter! Your latest deed of loyalty
foreign, poor, an outsider – she can quickly has a name and is greater than the first, in that you have
become easy prey. not turned to younger men, whether poor
What is Boaz bothered about? A woman a personality, I or rich” (3:10).
came to him. At night. To the threshing He reassures her: Do not be afraid. It
floor. He hadn’t asked for it, he hadn’t see the person will be alright. I will help you: “And now,
ordered it. She had initiated it. What exactly within him rather daughter, have no fear. I will do on your
did she think she was doing? Boaz could behalf whatever you ask.” And more: I will
do whatever he wanted to her and give her than an object protect your good name. I know who you
nothing in return. And even if she would are. Everyone knows: “for all the elders of
tell – who would believe her? He is an my town know what a fine woman you
honorable, rich man, with status and power. are” (3:11).
And she? Both her class and her situation It is not for nothing that the Sages
are so against her. Boaz was horrified to find a woman lying attributed the verse: זֹוע ַּ ב ם ָ כ ָ ח־ר ֶ בֶּֽג, “A wise
The truth is that he does not have to take at his feet, as the Sages rightfully state (Ruth man in strength (be’oz) and a man of
advantage of her. He could just throw her Rabbah 6:3): “He would have been justified understanding” (Mishlei 25:5) to Boaz.
out, scream at her, ask her what she thought in cursing her, but… he gave her his heart
she was doing exactly. He can embarrass and blessing, it says: ‘Blessed are you to the Rabbanit Dr. Tamar Meir is a researcher and
her. Defame her. Or he can concede. Why L-rd, my daughter.’” (Ruth 3:10) lecturer, head of the Literature Department
wait for tomorrow? She’s here. Boaz could have cursed Ruth. But he first in Michlelet Givat Washington, head of the
The Midrash was well aware of these asks: “Who are you?” She is not a generic Women’s Bet Midrash in Givat Shmuel and a
possibilities, and the test that Boaz faces: woman, she is not a body. She is a woman children’s writer.
“‘As the L-rd lives! Lie down until with a personal belonging and identity.
morning’ (Ruth 3: 3). The yetzer hara sat When the person across from me has a A member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau
all night and told him, ‘You are available name and a personality, I see the person mizrachi.org/speakers

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