The Book of Ruth, universally honored as “one of the most charming short stories in Hebrew literature,” and standing in contrast to the stories of war and military violence in Judges and Samuel, ...

Thanks for all the excellent e-mails about the Song of Songs. Several of you argued that the maiden’s “navel” is not her navel, if you get my (southward) drift. My brief research didn’t settle the ...

The book of Ruth begins with the line, “In the days when the judges judged’ (וַיְהִ֗י בִּימֵי֙ שְׁפֹ֣ט הַשֹּׁפְטִ֔ים, Ruth 1:1). The Book of Ruth, traditionally read as part of the service on Shavuot, ...

The narrative of the Book of Ruth is poignant: One can almost feel the tragic atmosphere in the circle of three bereaved women and hear the soft voice of young widow Ruth as she declares her loyalty ...

As a public service during this pandemic, the Forward is providing free, unlimited access to all coronavirus articles. If you’d like to support our independent Jewish journalism, click here. The story ...

The Book of Ruth is a story of "hesed," a Hebrew word often translated as loving kindness and steadfast faithfulness. In Scripture, hesed is a primary attribute of the Lord God -- he is faithful and ...

Paul Prather says the Bible is endlessly interesting because of its allusions, and the long stretch of history. Wavebreakmedia Getty Images/iStockphoto I’m afraid there’s no way to write this column ...

“The thought of leaving my friends was decidedly the most painful thought with which I had to contend. The love of them was my tender point, and shook my decision more than all things else.” So wrote ...

Flip through the pages of the Bible and you’ll never find the name “Oprah.” However, there is a minor figure in the Book of Ruth named Orpah. Orpah is one of the lesser-known women of the Bible. The ...