It is perhaps because of this spirit of commitment, and taking on of the religion, that the reading of Ruth is done at Shavuot. I need to say a few words about that. Many of you know that my profession is education. It is through the relationship with Naomi that Ruth takes on the formidable challenge of accepting monotheism into her life. In classrooms where there are supportive and positive relationships between teachers and students, between students and students, and in schools where there are good relationships among the adults, optimal learning takes place.
People feel safe enough to take the risks necessary for learning.
And so it has been in the context of the relationship among us that we have found the courage to wrestle with the learning we needed to do. We lead very busy and complex lives with many responsibilities. We are all raising children. We have jobs, husbands, and households. And during this time that we've studied together we've faced illness, loss, stress, a new baby, and have been buoyed always by the security and comfort of the group, which in turn has been buoyed by very supportive husbands and families, and has occurred in the context of an encouraging and accepting congregation.