The purpose of this blog is to get the kids talking at the table. Try printing and sharing!
This week's question for your table:Who was the most famous convert to Judaism — ever?
Answer: Ruth the Moabitess (i.e., she was from Moab).
It is an interesting fact that the numerical value (gematria) of her name is 200 (resh) + 6 (vav) + 400 (tav) = 606.
So what you ask?
Since a Gentile has 7 mitzvoth (the 7 Noahide Laws) and a Jew has 613, her name alludes to the 606 additional mitzvoth she received when she became a Jew.
(Source: Talmud Yevamot 47b)
Question #2 - Can you name the 7 Noahide Laws? (try to guess)
Question #3 for your table - The Torah says that there are about 10^18 stars in the universe. The question is, Why is this significant?
(Here is my answer to the question, and I'd love to hear yours too.)
Happy Shavuot!
PS - What amazing smartphone/tablet app has this fact about Ruth?
Here's the answer if you have an iphone or ipad.
Here's the answer if you have an Android device.
Here's the answer if you have a Kindle.
PPS - Want to make your Table Talk rabbi happy? Like it, tweet it, or just send it to someone who might enjoy it.
