Ruth Has Meant So Much to Me
When I first met Ruth 35 years ago at ECRS, she quickly won me over with her kind eyes and warm smile. Soon after, I discovered we had much in common. Just like my mother, Ruth fled Vienna from Nazi terror at a young age. We also both valued left-wing politics, loved folk dancing and folk music, and identified as progressive Jews.
Early on, Ruth encouraged me to join the ECRS Board, saying “They need someone like you, and you’d be good for it.” I demurred because I didn’t feel ready for it and thought it wouldn’t be a good fit for my interests and strengths. I felt honored, though, that Ruth thought so highly of me at a time that my self-confidence was a bit shaky.
Over the years my admiration for Ruth grew, as I observed her leadership administering events and teaching classes, such as folkdance, singing, and informal dramatics. Particularly, I noticed her ability to combine competence, sensitivity and fun, and I remembered saying to myself, “That’s the kind of leader I want to be.”
Fortunately, the opportunity to become that kind of leader eventually came, and Ruth initiated it. She requested in Echoes (ECRS newsletter) that anyone wanting to teach creative writing should contact her. I jumped at the chance, remembering my dormant passion for writing, and soon called her.
For several years afterward, at various free-time slots and an eventual trial class, I offered writing experiences. All the while, Ruth gave me valuable, supportive feedback, helping me to develop the skills and confidence that led up to teaching my first four-day class at Summer School. All this preparation more than paid off when the class participants gave me rave reviews.
Bolstered by my success made possible by Ruth, I went on to teach a long string of classes for the next 15 years with topics ranging from memory and creativity to diversity and the Beatles. In addition, the personal and professional development facilitated by Ruth, allowed me to evolve from teaching young children to a more fulfilling career teaching English to immigrants at a Community College.
Given my high regard for Ruth, she became my choice for helping to celebrate my wedding. Before the event, Alex and Ruth gave Donna (my wife) and me invaluable suggestions to enhance both our ceremony and celebration. During the festivities, Ruth led our guests in spirited folk dancing which created a feeling of connection and enjoyment rarely experienced at these occasions.
A number of years after the wedding, when ECRS faced some difficult challenges, I stepped up to co-lead (with Donna) a major reform project known as the Future Planning Committee. Ruth rejoiced when she learned of my new position, reminding me that she always wanted me to take on a leadership role in ECRS, and now if finally happened! With enthusiasm, she joined the committee, and we worked side-by-side for several years to design an exciting new plan for change.
As Ruth aged, I was glad to visit her several times at a Westchester assisted living facility, glad to have written and performed a tribute song at one of her milestone occasions, and glad to have written a letter of appreciation several weeks before her passing.
Although I’ll miss her dearly, I’ll always remember how much Ruth meant to me. I’ll remember how she enabled me to realize my potential because she believed in me and supported my striving toward growth. I’ll remember her wise, compassionate and joyful leadership, presenting me with a role-model toward which I continue to aspire. And, perhaps most of all, I’ll remember a very special human being whose friendship I was fortunate to have.