Dr. Ruth Wstheimer, born Karola Ruth Siegal on June 4, 1928 in Germany, had a tumultuous childhood marked by the impact of Adolf Hitler's Nazism. Her family was one of the many victims of the oppressive regime, forcing them to flee their homeland to Switzerland for safety.
After World War II, Dr. Ruth moved to Israel where she trained as a sniper in the Haganah, Israel's underground military organization. She later moved to Paris where she studied psychology at the University of Paris, eventually becoming a psychology professor. It was during this time that she began to explore her interest in human sexuality, a subject that would become the focus of her groundbreaking career.
Dr. Ruth's journey to becoming a renowned sex therapist began when she moved to the United States in the 1950s. She earned a Master's degree in Sociology from The New School and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University, focusing her research on human sexuality. In 1980, Dr. Ruth began hosting the radio show "Sexually Speaking," which catapulted her to fame and made her a pioneer in discussing sexual health openly and honestly.
In addition to her radio show, Dr. Ruth also hosted the popular children's puppet series "Between the Lions," showcasing her versatility as a media personality. Throughout her career, she became a cultural icon, known for her frank discussions on sexuality that challenged societal taboos and promoted sexual health and education.
Dr. Ruth has been married three times, with her third marriage to Manfred Westheimer resulting in the birth of their two children, Miriam and Joel. Despite the challenges she faced during her early years, Dr. Ruth's resilience and determination have shaped her into a beloved figure in the field of sex therapy and education.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer's influence on the field of sexuality and sexual health is undeniable. Through her radio show, television appearances, and numerous books on the subject, she has empowered individuals to embrace their sexuality, communicate openly about their desires and concerns, and prioritize their sexual well-being. Her fearlessness in tackling taboo subjects and her dedication to education have cemented her status as a pioneering figure in the field of sex therapy.
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