For the source text click/tap here: Bava Batra 91
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Our daf quotes a baraita that teaches that a person can only leave Israel if basic foods double in price. Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai teaches that this is only true if he cannot afford to purchase food at that price, but if he can afford the inflated prices, then he should not leave Israel. In a similar vein, Rabbi Shimon interpreted the story in Megillat Rut as teaching this lesson.
According to Rabbi Shimon, Elimelekh, Maḥlon and Khilyon – the father and two sons who left Israel in a time of famine – were among the leaders of their generation. Their punishment and death is attributed to their decision to abandon Israel during a difficult time.
We explore the book of Ruth and the genealogy of King David from Moabite roots.