[Avodah] Another approach to Ruth's geirus

[Zev Sero via Avodah]

On 29/05/17 12:46, RTK  wrote:
> There was a difference of opinion about this even at the time the events 
> in Megillas Rus were taking place.  Ploni Almoni held that there was no 
> mitzva of yibum in this case while Boaz held that there was.

1. How could anyone hold there was a mitzvah of yibum, when the Torah 
explicitly limits it to brothers?

2. If he held as a matter of halacha that Boaz was wrong, then he should 
have insisted on redeeming the field without marrying Ruth.  The fact 
that on being informed of this requirement he backed out of the whole 
deal shows that he acknowledged Boaz's point.  Therefore that point was 
not about yibum but about mitzvas geulah.  Boaz pointed out that Machlon 
had an obligation to Ruth, and so long as it remained outstanding the 
mitzvah to discharge his obligations would remain unfulfilled.  Ploni 
agreed, and since he could not do that he waived his rights.

-- 
Zev Sero                May 2017, with its *nine* days of Chanukah,
zev at sero.name           be a brilliant year for us all