ESTHER & RUTH

Many women are mentioned in the bible but only two women have books named after them: Esther and Ruth.

Both women also have major religious festivals rooted in their stories. For Ruth it is the festival of booths or Pentecost, and for Esther it is Purim.

Both women are living in foreign lands – Esther the Jew in Persia and Ruth the Moabite in Israel.

Both stories are about exclusion and Inclusion and the limits of living as women in male-dominated societies. Both women use creative and brilliant strategies to get saving outcomes for their people, and they do so by out-maneuvering men who have the power.

Both women succeed because they form deep and loyal relationships through and beyond devastating loss and grief.

God is never mentioned directly and is there in the background to be discerned and discovered like a mystery plot. It’s a bit like our world today which, publicly speaking is secular, and yet God is everywhere if we but have the eyes, ears and discernment to recognize the divine.

Does any of this intrigue you? Join us for five Wednesday evenings beginning April 10, 7:30pm, via zoom, as we read, reflect and discuss the biblical stories of Esther and Ruth.

Notes will be provided ahead of each session and each session will be recorded should you be unable to attend.

For questions or more info, speak to Dr. Harris.