By Joel H. Cohen
(A Shavuot highlight is the reading of the Book of Ruth, a remarkable widow who, rather than return to her native Moab and her own family, chose to stay with her mother-in-law and accompany her on her spiritual and physical journey, adopting her people and religion. How Ruth’s family reacted to that decision has not been told – until now. Thanks to a team of Oxford University scholars, headed by an expert in Moabite history, customs and language, we now have the translation of a letter to Ruth from her older sister that sheds light on the matter. The text appears below)..
Dear Kid Sister,
We miss you very much, Babe. and hope you are well and content.
Your decision not to come back home to us set gossips’ tongues wagging and devastated everyone, especially our dear mother. She couldn’t have more shocked by the news than if you had been reported dead.
She reacted almost as if that were the case – first denying that the report was accurate “I can’t believe it,” she kept declaring. “It can’t be true.”
Then she got very angry. “Didn’t I give birth to Ruth? Nurse her? Raise her to become a decent young woman? Where did I go wrong? What has that mother-in-law of hers got that I haven’t? She must have bribed her in some way.”
When Mom settled down a bit, she considered bargaining to get you to return – “I’ll offer Ruth the most comfortable place to sleep”…”Give her fewer chores.”
Once she realized that you were determined to stay away, depression set in. ”I’m in mourning,” she announced. “I’m going to wear black forever.”
Mom,” I said, “you always wear black
“”This is different.”
Eventually, she accepted the reality that you weren’t coming back, but she still grieves.
It didn’t help that Orpah, your brother-in-law Chilon’s widow, chose to return home. We, of course, mourned Chilon’s passing, that of your father-in-law Elimelech and, most of all, your husband, Mahlon. Especially in the wake of these tragedies, your devotion to Naomi is commendable.
But what about us? Are we chopped hummus?”
Sorry to go on this way, Sis. You always had a mind of your own – but we miss you terribly.
On happier subjects…
The Dead Sea, visible from the mountaintop, is beautiful this time of year. And the limestone hills are alive with grass and wheat.
Brother Omar got hurt working at the limestone quarry and is on limited duty, but he’s hoping to get a less-hazardous job In the salt mines. Meanwhile, we’re getting some income from selling off sheep and offering drinks to traders..
That’s it for now. Please keep us in mind, and remember that, no matter whither thou goest, or what life doest to you, you’ll always be our Babe, Ruth.
One last thought: You always knew creative ways and settings to attract eligible suitors. Maybe you can do it again, find another husband and even start a line of descendants to make you proud.
With much love from all,
Yma
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San Diego Jewish World reminds readers who are new to this column that it is all in fun, and nothing above should be taken seriously. Cohen is a freelance writer based in New York.