Shavuos: April Showers Bring May Flowers

By Zachary Fish

What does the story of Rut have to do with Shavuot? On the holiday that commemorates one of the most monumental events in the history of Bnei Yisroel, why do we read about a Moabite woman's personal journey? While interesting, it doesn’t seem to compare in scale or significance to Matan Torah.

Rav Yoseph Lipowitz, in his introduction to Nachlas Yosef, offers a profound and relevant perspective. He notes that Chazal refer to two seforim as "ספרה דפורענותא" (books of affliction): Iyov and Rus. Both stories revolve around members of noble families facing severe hardships. However, there is a significant difference. While Sefer Iyov is somber and filled with despair, Sefer Rus, despite its themes of famine, poverty, and exile, maintains a sense of hope. Unlike Iyov, Rus is called "ספרה דפורענותא דאית ליה אחרית" (the book of affliction with a positive end), referencing its conclusion with the birth of David, symbolizing redemption.

The Nachlas Yosef asks why Sefer Iyov, which ends with Iyov regaining his wealth and stature, isn’t also called "ספרה דפורענותא דאית ליה אחרית." Rav Lipowitz explains the fundamental difference: in Iyov, the salvation is unrelated to the suffering, whereas in Rus, the redemption emerges directly from the hardships. It's like dark clouds that eventually disperse, bringing sunlight again, versus clouds that bring a downpour, leading to growth—the good outcome arises because of the tough times.

Why is hardship necessary? Rav Lipowitz explains that hardship brings about blessing. It doesn’t mean hard times always lead to redemption, but if there is potential within a person, trying times can bring it out, like rain nurturing a seed.

This message is what makes Rus so important to read on Shavuos. As the Yalkut Shimoni explains:

ומא ענין רות אצל עצרת, שנקראת בעצרת בזמן מתן תורה, ללמדך שלא ניתנה תורה אלא ע"י יסורין ועוני

"What is the connection between Rus and the holiday of Shavuot, which is called 'Atzeret' at the time of the giving of the Torah? To teach you that the Torah was given only through suffering and misery."

The Nachlas Yosef elaborates that the relationship between hardship and Torah is essential. As Chazal tell us, the Torah was one of three gifts Hashem gave us through yisurin, teaching us that without trials and tribulations we would not be able to achieve greateness. Rav Aaron Lopiansky, in his shiur on this introduction, expounds on this and explains that hardship is also very valuable because it gives a pursuit value. It is specifically because the Torah is so difficult to learn and to follow that we appreciate its importance. If living a Torah life were easy, we wouldn’t appreciate its how valuable it is. And so too any other pursuit in life, if it is hard and we still pursuit, it demonstrates to ourselves how much we value what we are pursuing.

Rav Lipowitz offers comfort, explaining that Rus teaches us to see hard times not as obstacles to be endured, but as periods that bring great value, from which redemption sprouts. May we see this not only in our personal lives but also on a national level very soon, with the greatest comfort coming from the the geulah shelimah.