Scroll of Ruth

Illuminated Megillat Ruth, retractable vellum scroll in ornate silver case, Jerusalem, 1930s.

Megillah Ruth is read on Shavu’ot. This holiday commemorates the day God gave the Torah to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. It also marked the beginning of the wheat harvest in Ancient Israel. The Book of Ruth tells the story of Ruth’s conversion to Judaism and her acceptance of the Torah. It describes the barley and wheat harvest seasons. At the end of the scroll, King David is listed as Ruth’s great-grandson. According to tradition, David was born and died on Shavu’ot.