Ruth Westheimer

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Dr. Ruth 1995

Dr. Ruth Westheimer 2009

[[File: Ruth Westheimer (born June 4, 1928), better known as Dr. Ruth, is a German-American sex therapist, media personality, and author. Her media career began in 1980 with the radio show Sexually Speaking, which continued to expand her presence as a sex therapist and garnered her national fame. Dr. Ruth has since become a household name, known for her candid discussions about sexuality and her efforts to destigmatize the topic.

Early Life

Born in Wiesenfeld, Germany, to Orthodox Jewish parents, Westheimer was sent to Switzerland in 1939 through the Kindertransport to escape the Nazi regime. Her parents were killed during the Holocaust, leaving her an orphan at a young age. After the war, she emigrated to Palestine, where she joined the Haganah in Jerusalem. Her experiences in these early years shaped her resilient and open approach to life and her future career.

Education

Westheimer pursued her education with vigor, despite the challenges she faced as a Holocaust survivor and immigrant. She moved to France to study and then to the United States, where she continued her education. Westheimer earned a Master's degree in sociology from The New School and a Doctorate in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, focusing on the study of family life and sexuality.

Career

Dr. Ruth's career took a pivotal turn when she began her radio show, Sexually Speaking, in 1980. Her approachable manner and willingness to discuss topics that were often considered taboo helped her gain a large and dedicated following. She leveraged her success in radio to become a television host, author, and lecturer, significantly impacting the way sexuality is discussed in the media.

Westheimer has authored several books, including Dr. Ruth's Encyclopedia of Sex and Sex for Dummies, which have been translated into multiple languages. Her work extends beyond media, as she has also served as a guest lecturer at Yale University, Princeton University, and other prestigious institutions.

Personal Life

Dr. Ruth has been married three times and has two children. She is known for her frankness not only in professional settings but also in discussing her personal experiences and beliefs. Her life story, including her escape from the Nazis, her time in Palestine, and her journey to America, has been the subject of documentaries and books.

Legacy

Dr. Ruth Westheimer has played a significant role in bringing the discussion of sexuality into the public domain. Her work has helped to destigmatize conversations about sex, making it a topic that can be discussed openly and without shame. She is considered a pioneer in the field of sex therapy and continues to be a respected and influential figure.