Article Discussion: Orpah A Shout-Out for Shavuot

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[Debbie B.]

As someone who was married to a Jew for more than 20 years before converting (even though I always knew that I would eventually convert), I really appreciate this sensitive way of looking at the story of Ruth. Orpah did express and initial desire to follow Naomi too, and yet she is often vilified by traditional  commentators. For many years I have identified with Ruth---I even added Rut to my Hebrew name when I converted. And yet now I realize that in the way that many fears and worries held me back for over 20 years, perhaps I can see myself in Orpah as well.