Shavuot spotlights the “Scroll of Ruth,” one of five Biblical scrolls, which are studied during five Jewish holidays: Ruth (Shavuot), Song of Songs (Passover), Ecclesiastes (Sukkot/Tabernacles), Book of Lamentations (the Ninth day of Av), Esther (Purim). Ruth was a Moabite princess, and the great grandmother of King David.

Ruth was a role model of loyalty to her Jewish mother in-law, and revered for her humility, gratitude, responsibility, reliability, respect of fellow human beings, faith, and optimism.

The legacy of Ruth reflects the central role played by Biblical women, joining the matriarchs — Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel; Miriam, the older sister of Moses; Deborah the prophetess, judge, and military leader; Hannah, the mother of Samuel the prophet; Queen Esther, etc.

Yoram Ettinger is a writer and former Israeli ambassador.