Is That Naomi?

Naomi sat down opposite him. “What’s wrong?”

“What a generation we live in, where people judge the judges!” Elimelech’s eyes blazed. “I’ve just come from the town square, where I tried to deliver some much-needed tochachah. Not only did they pay no attention, they heckled and laughed… such chutzpah. I saw Menasheh there and told him it would be fitting for him to give some of his money to Torah scholars, and he just laughed and yelled, “Practice what you preach, Elimelech!”

Naomi shifted uncomfortably.

At this moment the couple’s two sons, Machlon and Chilion, entered the room.

“What do you care what the people say?” Machlon interjected. “They’re just jealous of us, they always have been. We’re from Shevet Yehudah and direct descendants of Nachshon ben Aminadav. They’re jealous of our wealth and prominence, and they’re jealous that mother is one of the 22 great and righteous women of our nation. They’re jealous of the 30 virtues Hashem has showered on us, 30 virtues that make you worthy of kingship.”