- Dr. Ruth Westheimer has died
- She was the world's most famous sex therapist
- A generation of TV lovers learned from her
Her publicist, Pierre Lehu, confirmed the sad news to CNN, marking the end of an era for millions who were educated and entertained by Dr. Ruth's groundbreaking advice.
A Life of Resilience and Revolution
Westheimer, who was Jewish, was born in Germany in 1928. When she was 10, on the eve of World War II, Westheimer was sent to Switzerland by her parents. Her mother and father perished during the Holocaust, and Westheimer has said she believed they were killed at Auschwitz.
As a teenager, Westheimer lived in Jerusalem and trained as a sniper with the Haganah, a controversial Zionist militant group which later became part of the Israel Defense Forces.
In her 20s, Westheimer studied in Paris and then immigrated to New York City, where she attended graduate school, eventually earning a degree from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Westheimer was a member of the Museum of Jewish Heritage and regularly funded and attended events related to Holocaust remembrance.
"To allow the joy to come front and center in your life, you also have to feel your emotions, even the sad ones," she wrote in her 2015 book, 'The Doctor Is In: Dr. Ruth on Love, Life, and Joie de Vivre.'
"You have to mourn, let the tears pour out. If you bottle the sadness in, the joy gets bottled right along with it."
From her early days in Jerusalem as a sniper with the Haganah to her academic pursuits in Paris and New York, Dr. Ruth's resilience and determination were evident.
Her work
Her career as a sex therapist, which began with the radio call-in show "Sexually Speaking" in 1980, broke new ground in public discourse about sexual health and pleasure, making her a household name across the United States.
Dr. Ruth's approach to sex education was revolutionary. With her distinctive German accent and grandmotherly demeanor, she tackled topics that were often considered taboo, offering advice that was both informative and infused with humor. Her mantra, "have good sex," became a rallying cry for sexual positivity.
Beyond the airwaves, Dr. Ruth authored over 37 books, contributed to children's education, and even served as New York state’s honorary ambassador to loneliness, showcasing her commitment to addressing the multifaceted aspects of human connection.
As tributes pour in, it's clear that Dr. Ruth's impact extended far beyond her professional achievements.
Her life story, marked by adversity, activism, and the pursuit of joy, inspired countless individuals to embrace their sexuality with confidence and openness. Her final book on combating loneliness, set to be released posthumously, epitomizes her lifelong mission to foster connection and happiness.
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A heavy loss
She will be missed!
Dr. Ruth Westheimer leaves behind a legacy that will continue to enlighten and empower for generations to come. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on the world.
