The laughter and wisdom of Dr. Ruth or simply about the complex

I remember her infectious laugh and subtle humor when she spoke simply about difficult things - namely sex - on television. I will never forget, although it was 30 years ago: shortly after my arrival in New York, together with my mother Lagunova Sofia Isaakovna, who was a dermatovenerologist in Ukraine for 40 years, we saw Dr. Ruth’s program for the first time and could not believe that Such topics can be discussed on TV.
 
We started laughing so hard when Dr. Ruth showed the two dolls and what they were supposed to do. Conversations about sex, in which Doctor Ruth openly explained and advised, revealing the secrets of full-fledged sexual relationships, were something new for those who had just arrived from Ukraine. And we were surprised that, although we didn’t know English perfectly, we understood everything.
Ruth Westheimer has written more than 40 books and hosted popular radio and television programs answering questions from viewers. For many decades, she has helped people solve problems related to sexual dysfunctions and problems. Silver Sex is one of Ruth Westheimer's latest books. It talks about sex in old age. According to the author, she wanted to eradicate prejudices that a harmonious sex life is possible only in youth. In her opinion, in all countries, men and women in love relationships experience the same problems, the main one of which is the routine of everyday life.
Dr. Ruth was very cheerful, never discouraged. “Apparently, that’s why I live so long,” the sex therapist said, laughing. “Enliven your relationships, add variety to your life, and if it doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to seek help from professionals,” Dr. Ruth urged.
About 10 years ago, I met Ruth Westheimer at the Museum of Jewish Heritage at a Hanukkah event hosted by Michael Bloomberg. I still have photographs of me and Dr. Ruth captured by my dear teacher, of blessed memory, Mikhail Fishbein. About a year before the pandemic, Ruth Westheimer marched in the Israel Salute parade down 5th Avenue alongside people who truly knew what the Holocaust was.
How hard it was for her, Ruth Westheimer, a little orphan, during the Second World War! The mother managed to send Ruth to Switzerland in 1939, after the girl’s father was arrested by the Nazis and deported to Buchenwald. Her parents died during the Holocaust. Upon learning of this in 1945, Ruth decided to travel to Palestine, where she joined the Haganah organization, trained as a sniper, and was seriously wounded in the leg during the War of Independence. Since 1950, she studied psychology at the Sorbonne in Paris, then taught there. In 1956, thanks to a scholarship for Holocaust survivors, she immigrated to the United States, where she received a master's degree in sociology and a doctorate in humanities from Teachers College, Columbia University. She later completed her work on the basics of sexology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. In the USA she received an excellent education and became a member of the New York Academy of Medicine. She also worked as a professor at New York University and taught sexuality education seminars at Yale University.
Much more will be written about Dr. Ruth, a world-renowned sex therapist. She was wise and an inspiration to many. She lived to be 96 years old. The fond memory of Dr. Ruth and her smile will remain in the hearts of many people for a long, long time!
Marina Lagunova