Being a professional Java programmer myself, i collected some links that might bridge the gap for Java programmers who would like to take a peek at Ruby:

Introductory materials

• 10 Things Every Java Programmer Should Know About Ruby If you plan to read just one document of this list, choose this one!

• An Introduction to Ruby for Java Programmers Another nice introduction from Jim

• Coming to Ruby from Java The name says all

Java – Ruby integration

• JRuby – A 1.8.2 compatible Ruby interpreter written in 100% pure Java. Charles Oliver Nutter, one of the JRuby developers in a discussion claimed that “We’re currently working to make JRuby more EJB and J2EE-friendly, so you’re certain to see more of these opportunities.”

• Calling All EJBs — From Ruby? Ideas on EJB-Ruby integration

The question from the top of every RoR/Java FAQ:

• It’s boring to scale with Ruby on Rails, says DHH
• IBM poop heads say LAMP users need to ‘grow up’ Nice article on the LAMP stack in general (i.e. not just Ruby on Rails)
• Does Ruby on Rails scale? A clear and definitive answer

Ajax Goodies:

Not exactly java, but nice Rails+Ajax technology showoff

• http://script.aculo.us
• http://script.spinelz.org