When the townspeople bless Ruth in the name of Rachel and Leah, they are linking her to these women who are paradigms of strength, righteousness and ingenuity. As we bless our daughters, it is as if Ruth, Naomi, Rachel, Leah, and all the townspeople have crowded into our dining room.
On Shavuot, we read the story of Moses and the Jewish people receiving the Torah. It is one of the most iconic, memorable moments in our people’s history. Moses and the newly freed Israelites reach the Sinai Desert in Exodus, chapter 19. They set up camp in front of Mount Sinai and ready themselves for what’s next: receiving God’s commandments and becoming a nation.