What Is Ruth Rabbah?

A homiletic midrash compiled from earlier materials between the seventh and ninth centuries CE, Ruth Rabbah provides a running commentary on all but two verses of the book of Ruth. The commentary is preceded by a number of unconnected proems, and there are also additional proems at the head of some sections. It draws material from earlier midrashim (Genesis Rabbah, Leviticus Rabbah, and Lamentations Rabbah) and is also a source for later midrashim (Exodus Rabbah and Deuteronomy Rabbah). The commentary explores the motivations and moral character of the biblical story’s dramatis personae. Elimelech is villainized as an uncharitable man who left the land of Israel in a time of famine because he did not want to share his considerable wealth, while Ruth is valorized for her devotion and modesty and Boaz for his moral rectitude.