The Plot

Ruth had a strong attraction to Boaz from the minute she first saw him, but she couldn't figure out why. He was considerably older than she was. Nonetheless, the wisdom in his gaze drew her in. Ruth was awestruck by the wonderful care he offered her, the likes of which she had never experienced before. Despite the fact that Boaz was a Jew and she was a foreigner, he accepted her in a way that no one else had. She bent her head and proceeded gently toward him as he requested her to join his table and sit among his reapers. "Do I belong here?" Ruth wondered, her flushed cheeks hidden below her scarf. Ruth had been utterly lost just a few hours before as she attempted to find her way to the barley fields. She felt inadequate and insecure once she arrived, because her previous life as a king's daughter had not prepared her for the hard work of the harvest. Her body had grown tired earlier in the day as she attempted to harvest as many stalks as possible to provide enough food for Naomi and herself. She couldn't believe what was going on now that she was sitting at the master's table, feasting on his bountiful food. Hashem had been so kind to her! Boaz blessed the meal and instructed her to take the bread and dip it in the wine. She took a little piece of bread and dipped it in the wine before placing it to her lips. She couldn't recall the last time she had tasted something so delicious. Boaz gave her more grain than the others in a generous gesture. The generosity with which Ruth's host treated her astounded her. She expressed her gratitude for his kindness by gratefully eating his gift till she was satiated. She then slipped some bread into her apron so she could share a bite of Naomi's excellent supper.