Rut Lesson

Two kids. One is required to take out the trash each morning, while the other does so voluntarily. Who demonstrates the greater commitment?

The issue arises in our Megillah as we encounter two profiles of kindness: Rut's voluntary and self-emerging devotion to Naomi, and Boaz's fulfillment of his biblically-mandated commandment to uphold the mitzvot of pe'ah (agricultural gifts to the poor) and yibum (levirate marriage).

Our rabbis instruct that gadol ha-metzuveh ve-oseh - greater is the one who is commanded to act and follows through on this directive. This individual overcomes the natural tendency to cut corners and slack off. Voluntary service is commendable, but not as rigorously demanding as compulsory compliance.

There are connections between this concept and Shavuot. More on that later...