The Book of Ruth (Text & Audio)

The Book of Ruth (Text & Audio)

This post provides the Hebrew and English text for the entire Book of Ruth, as well as audio recordings from the Virtual Cantor of this text being read in Hebrew. The Book of Ruth, traditionally read during synagogue services on Shavuot, tells the story about Ruth, a Moabite woman who, following the death of her husband, stays loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, and joins the Jewish people. Although there are many explanations given for the reading of this story on Shavuot, the most common reason is that Ruth came to Israel around the time of Shavuot, during the barley harvest, and her acceptance of the Jewish God, people and faith is comparable to the Jewish people’s receiving of the Torah. 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4