פירוש על רות 1:8

With the dead. This refers to her sons. [Naomi's sons, Machlon and Kilyon, who died].

Each of you, to her mother’s house. The first letters of these words Eesha libayt eema spell ele, which is an abbreviation of Ayn avot l’goy, “There are no fathers for gentiles,” as the sages say in Midrash on this verse, and as in the story of Nimos HaGardi.⁶See Midrash Ruth 2:13 - Sefaria Translation - “Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law: Go, return each woman to her mother's house [beit immah]” – to the house of her nation [beit ummatah]. The mother of Avnimos the weaver died, and Rabbi Meir ascended to pay his respects and found them sitting in mourning. Later, his father died, and Rabbi Meir ascended to pay his respects and found them engaged in their labor. He said to him: ‘It appears to me that your mother was dearer to you than your father.’ He said to him: ‘But is it not written so: “Each…to her mother’s house”? He said to him: ‘Well said, as there is no paternity among gentiles.’

May Adonai deal kindly with you, (as you did with the dead and with me.) It seems that according to the sages, for gentiles thoughts are not joined to actions. Naomi makes this point when she said, “May God deal kindly with you as you did…” In other words, it specifically speaks of actions and not thoughts. However, the blessed Holy One does not withhold the reward of any being. What then was the purpose of this prayer? It is possible that Naomi’s prayer was beyond their reward - it meant, “May God deal kindly with you beyond the requirements of the law.” You have done more than was required by the law; so may God treat you kindly according to the Torah of kindness.