The Correlation between the Story of RUTH THE MOAVITE and "Beit Ruth"

 The Focal Point of the Story of Ruth

The powerful legacy of the story of Ruth lies in the clarity of choice, made so evidently both by Ruth and by her mother-in-law Naomi.

NAOMI: Despite all the anguish and suffering on Naomi's part, she still chooses to return to Israel, her homeland and bravely face possible humiliation, disgrace and poverty.

RUTH THE MOAVITE: Despite the option of returning to her mother's village, Ruth bravely chooses to place her loyalty and faith in Naomi as well as in herself, notwithstanding the uncertain future that lies ahead.

To further elaborate; Ruth must depend completely on the goodness of Naomi to guide, instruct and teach her all aspects of the future that awaits her in a foreign land of foreign faith and G-d. Also, she must learn to adapt to a very different foreign social structure, not only as a widow, but a former Moavit and newly proselyte to the Israeli community.

But more importantly, Ruth shows faith in herself and chooses to bravely believe that her future can be a brighter one, in contradiction to what her current reality is projecting.

The correlation between the Story of Ruth and Beit Ruth

The essence of Beit Ruth lies solely in the young at-risk girls (personified as Ruth in the ancient story)

On the one hand these girls have chosen to put their faith in the life-opportunity presented to them by the people who have contributed to the establishment of Beit Ruth, as well as the Jaffa Institute and the many professionals who aid them on a daily basis (personified as Naomi in the ancient story).

On the other hand these girls have chosen to put their faith and full commitment in themselves, by taking this G-d-send opportunity to change their lives for the good.

Translation from the scripture (Chapter 1)

1.6. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, to return from the country of Moav; for she had heard in the country of Moav that Hashem had visited his people and given them bread.

1.7. So she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Yehudah

1.8. And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, Go, return each of you to her mother’s house; Hashem deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.

1.9. Hashem grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

1.10. And they said to her, No, we will return with you to your people.

1.11. And Naomi said, Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

1.12. Turn back, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, I have hope, even if I should have a husband tonight, and should bear sons;

1.13. Would you wait for them till they were grown? would you, for them, refrain from having husbands? no, my daughters; for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of Hashem is gone out against me.

1.14. And they lifted up their voice, and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law; but Ruth held fast to her

1.15. And she said, Behold, your sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and to her gods; go back you after your sister-in-law.

1.16. And Ruth said, Do not entreat me to leave you, or to keep from following you; for wherever you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your G-d my G-d;

1.17. Where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if even death parts me from you.

1.18. When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.

1.19. So the two went until they came to Beit-Lechem