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Why did Ruth glean in the fields when her wealthy relative Boaz was obligated to support her? Ruth chose the dignity of gleaning over direct charity because leket, shichchah, and peah have no element of human benefactor - they're essentially ownerless property belonging to the poor by Divine right. This independence and refusal to feel indebted to any person reflects the character trait that made Ruth worthy to be the ancestor of King Dovid.
This shiur examines a puzzling episode in Megillas Ruth where Ruth, despite having a wealthy relative in Boaz who was obligated to support her, chose instead to glean in the fields. Rabbi Zweig addresses several textual difficulties, including the apparent disorder of verses and the seeming contradiction between Boaz being described as a 'mighty man of valor' yet apparently not helping his destitute relatives. The key insight revolves around Ruth and Naomi's character - they deliberately refused charity and chose independence. This wasn't due to Boaz's stinginess, as he was a judge of Israel and halachically obligated to support the poor. Rather, Ruth preferred the dignity of working for her sustenance through the Torah (תורה)'s gleaning laws.
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Rus 1:19-2:3
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Why did Ruth reverse Naomi's instructions and go to Boaz before adorning herself? Converts retain their original character traits but redirect them toward holiness - Ruth's Moabite boldness now served the sacred purpose of preserving Machlon's lineage. Her willingness to forgo full marital protections demonstrated loyalty that transcended personal desires.
