Lapid
World WIZO
Organization & Tourism Division
No. 111
May 2014
Dear Chavera,
The Festival of Shavuot provides an opportunity to stop for a moment, to pause
from our daily preoccupations and to contemplate subjects, meanings and values
which are relevant to our lives as individuals and as members of a community.
Traditionally read on the second day of Shavuot, The Book of Ruth tells the story
of a Moabite woman, who, after her husband dies, follows her Israelite mother-inlaw, Naomi, and adopts the faith and land of the Jews during the harvest season in
Bethlehem. She asserts the right of the poor to glean the leftovers of the barley harvest, defies the
normal rules of behavior to confront her kinsman Boaz, is redeemed by him for marriage, and the child
born of their union Oved, was the grandfather of King David.
This narrative is essentially a women's story showcasing the feminine power of Ruth, the main
protagonist, as she makes a conscious decision to step out of her comfort zone. She abandons her
former identity, everything that is familiar to her and absorbs herself into the fabric of another nation,
with a new religion, culture and customs. Ruth is an excellent role model of a leader and a doer.
Leadership is not passive it requires decision and action. Ruth’s acts of chesed (kindness) are embodied
through action: not just following her bereft mother-in-law Naomi back to the land of Israel, but taking
on grueling work in the fields in order to keep them from falling into abject poverty. WIZO chaverot
belong to a community of strong, committed and passionate women whose "actions speak louder than
words".
Similar to the Book of Ruth, IDENTITY is a central motif in our latest Lapid publication. This edition
of the Lapid is devoted to"Identity" is a central motif of the Shavuot story andso to and this edition of
the Lapid We acknowledge the contribution of articles from our chaverot around the globe. This is a
shining example of the "caring and sharing" spirit that gives such value to WIZO, galvanizing our
strength in numbers. We want to hear, share with whatever is in your WIZO heart.
Chag Sameach and warm WIZO wishes,
Chairperson, Organization and Tourism Division
World WIZO
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