Ruth was a foreigner who entered into a relationship with Judah through marriage. Yet, after the death of her husband Ruth was given an opportunity to return to home, but she decided to stay with Naomi even after peer pressure to leave, as did her sister-in-law. Furthermore, Ruth not only stayed, she told Naomi she would go where Judah goes, live as Judah lives, believe in their G-d (the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), and stand among them as one with their people.

This is indeed a beautiful love story that may very well go beyond any historical significance, even one so compelling as Ruth becoming the grandmother of the great King David. Furthermore, this story of Ruth may be casting a shadow of the future.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to establish relationships that allow us to see into our neighbor’s world and to be alert to the troubles affecting that world before it becomes manifest. This does not necessarily imply more “mixed marriages”, but rather that the daughters of Ruth become betrothed in spirit to the Sons of Rahab, even as Ruth moved to unite more fully to her mother-in-law, Naomi of Judah. Therefore, we see the children of Ruth acting as a bridge between our two faiths, and the children of Rahab acting as a sanctuary. Both are imperative to show love to our neighbor, especially to those who need mercy. Together we may bring greater unity among us all, thus showing we do share the same L-rd and G-d. 

The events surrounding Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion, gives evidence that there is still work room for improvements in our relationships because it illustrated that Christians and Jews hold different perspectives and expectations on what each would like to see presented from the other group without fully understanding the thought process. For example, the Jewish community wanted the Catholics to respond as quickly and openly as other groups did to the film. The Catholic community wanted the Jews to understand the efforts made by the Church. However, the effort to communicate with each other is obviously necessary, but it is imperative that it goes beyond just the leaderships of both religious groups. This communication has to extend to the lowest of each group in order to breed a trusting and understanding relationship where we truly know one another.

This is the purpose of the Ruth Project- to build relationships and communities that echo and illustrate the words of Ruth in her simple love to Naomi when she stated, “…for where you go I will go and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your G-d my G-d”. Though the parameters can be defined several ways, we envision it as follows: 

Wherever you go we will go- To shop where they buy kosher foods and even purchase kosher to tell the world these foods are not evil (some nations have recently outlawed them). Perhaps to make purchases for them or even deliver their foods as well as escort them to their destinations if it becomes too dangerous for them to go alone.

Wherever you live, we will live- This drew us to ask the question that if we live too remote, how can we hear the glass shattering so we can join them in the streets or respond to the boots upon the stairs? Therefore, we believe Catholics must explore ways in which we can be connected to the Jewish people around them. In this manner we will be there if or when the glass falls again. Furthermore, we may need to explore the deep and important relationship the land of Israel plays in the Jewish mindset so we can explain this clearly and concisely to those who may not respect this.

Your people will be my people-  Our Church teaches she is Israel; yet, we firmly believe that this is not as a replacement of the Jewish people, but rather because the Holy Spirit led her to claim this as it seems declare we are their younger brother exiled over three thousand years ago to be brought back with the grafted in through her ministry in Jesus the Christ. Therefore, as we see ourselves as Judah's brothers then we should be there for each other, even if we can’t always see eye to eye in every circumstance.

Your G-d will be my G-d- In our catechism, we Catholics call Him by the exact same Name, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and perhaps those accepting this proposal might use this Name in their daily lives so as to draw attention to our common link with the Jews. It is also possible to use the One true G-d who is Creator of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen, which may open the door for Muslims in the future. Furthermore, those in this movement with knowledge of the Jewish doctrine of the Oneness of HaShem as well as the Catholic Trinity could work to find the commonality in these two doctrinal truths (for we suspect the problem is language, not truth). In addition, we study our Catholic teaching in light of the Sacred Scriptures to show that we Catholics really do abide Torah, though we accept a different Midrash and believe the Goyim are and never were required to abide the whole Law (see Noahite).

We suspect by doing these things we may not only be able to draw future aspirations for the dialogue, but also to visibly and loudly declare in unison "Never Again!" And if greater anti-Semitism emerges by our failing to reach the world with the Gospel of Peace fully manifested in Nosta Aetate, then we would not fear because we also echo Ruth’s final message from the heart:

         “Wherever you die, we shall die, and there shall we be buried; May the L-rd G-d do so and more so if ought but death part me and thee.”

Even Christ our Savior said:

         “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear Him Who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna (Yiddish for Purgatory).” Matt.10.28 

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