Dr. Ruth Dies

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, widely known as Dr. Ruth, is a renowned sex therapist, media personality, and author. Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, she had a challenging childhood. At the age of ten, she was sent to Switzerland to escape the Nazi regime, which eventually led to the loss of her parents in the Holocaust. This traumatic experience profoundly shaped her resilience and outlook on life.

After World War II, Dr. Ruth immigrated to Mandatory Palestine, where she joined the Haganah, an underground Jewish military organization. She trained as a sniper but was severely injured during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

This injury led her to reconsider her future and eventually pursue her education. She moved to France, where she studied psychology at the University of Paris. In 1956, she immigrated to the United States, continuing her studies and earning a master’s degree in sociology from The New School in 1959, followed by a doctorate in education from Columbia University in 1970. Dr. Ruth’s career as a sex therapist began in the 1960s when she started working at Planned Parenthood in New York.

Her unique combination of academic rigor and approachable demeanor quickly set her apart in the field. In 1980, she gained widespread recognition with her radio show “Sexually Speaking,” which aired on WYNY-FM. The show was a groundbreaking platform that addressed sexual health and relationship issues with humor and candor, making her an instant hit with listeners.

Following the success of her radio show, Dr. Ruth expanded her reach to television. She hosted various TV programs, including “The Dr. Ruth Show” and “What’s Up, Dr. Ruth?” Her approachable style and expert advice made her a beloved figure in American pop culture. Dr. Ruth also became a prolific author,

writing numerous books on sex and relationships, further cementing her status as a trusted expert in the field. Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth has received numerous accolades for her contributions to sexual health education. She has been an advocate for open discussions about sex and relationships, helping to break down taboos and promote a healthier, more informed approach to these topics. Her work has had a lasting impact, and she remains a respected and influential figure in the world of sexual health.

Dr. Ruth’s contributions to sexual health education have earned her numerous accolades and awards. She received the Magnus Hirschfeld Medal for outstanding service to sexology and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1999. She has also been honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Leo Baeck Medal for her efforts in promoting tolerance and understanding. In 2007, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hebrew Union College.

Dr. Ruth’s work has been recognized for its profound impact on public discussions about sex and relationships, making her a respected and influential figure in her field. Dr. Ruth Westheimer has been married three times. Her first marriage occurred at the age of 17 in Palestine, but it ended in divorce after a few years.

She then married a Frenchman, but this marriage also ended in divorce. Her third and longest marriage was to Manfred Westheimer, an engineer, with whom she had two children, Miriam and Joel. Dr. Ruth and Manfred were married until he died in 1997. She is a proud grandmother to several grandchildren, often sharing how much joy they bring to her life.

Despite her early personal challenges, Dr. Ruth has found enduring love and fulfillment through her family. Dr. Ruth Westheimer died on Friday, July 12, 2024, at her home in New York City, surrounded by her family. She was 96. She is survived by her children, Joel and Miriam, and four grandchildren.