About Ruth
My grandmother was larger than life. At some point, someone suggested she write things down. So in the 1980s, she took a writing class at the New School with her teacher Carla Stevens and a room full of eager classmates/ compatriots. She wrote stories about growing up on a farm in the Bronx, her adventures in San Francisco and at UC Berkeley in the 1920s, her lifelong love affairs with her husband, nature, and New York, and her adventures as a grandmother to grandchildren who loved her completely.
Her stories are always engaging, fascinating, and full of wonder. Recently, I’ve found the time to put them together- from handwritten records, to typed pieces, and a few transcripts of recorded interviews. I’m presenting them here once a week- beginning with stories of her birth and life on the farm to her travels to college and ultimately her time in New York. She was a remarkable woman. I always wished my wife and kids could meet her. Maybe through these stories, they finally can.
So I now proudly introduce Ruth Oppenheimer Weiss. If you knew her, please share your stories, memories, photos, whatever you’ve got. My grandmother was not a monologuist- she loved a good conversation. So please join in and participate as much as you are able.
If this is your first introduction to her, welcome. I hope you find the same magic and adventure that those of us who knew her saw in her every day and in every way. She was an amazing woman- with an incredible heart, an endless curiosity, and the strength to believe that anything was possible. I’m so excited to share her zest for life with a whole new audience.
ruthweissremembered 
Andy,
We are loving that you did this for your Goodma. We too shared some special moments with her and treasure our memories. She and Arthur shared a birthday which was always a special bond and as the inlaw she more than welcomed me into the family. I loved spending time with her, anytime she was available. You are right, she was larger than life.
Love,
Sue & Arthur Leeds
Andrew, I read all of the stories and your description of her, and I loved reading all of it.
I spent just one week with her at the summer conference (maybe in 1994?) in New Hampshire…and she was just the warmest and most loving woman I had ever met. I will never forget that I had her as the person to give things to secretly for the week…and I made an “adoption” certificate/nature collage for her for the last night when we revealed our secret person. (I also remember that YOU had ME as your person to give to, and you made me a frisbee sailboat filled with little hearts!) That was so sweet and creative.
I was touched by the obvious affection you and Ruth had for each other, and I felt like you were open to sharing her with me, sort of. I had no idea that she grew up on a farm, that was interesting to read about tonight. I cried over the horse story, and I laughed over the little bad girl stories too. She was truly a remarkable woman, and I know she had an indelible affect on you. Thank you for sharing her stories and I look forward to reading more soon.
I hope you and your family are doing well. If you are going to be in the Bay area, let me know! Peace & Love…..
Debbie
Andrew I think of that night when we walked Goodma back to her hotel along Lake Michigan, me holding one of her arms and you holding the other. She made me feel so loved . I also remember her story of holding Rudolf Nureyev’s bottom, her delivery was just hilarious. So many of my college memories have faded, but my memories of Goodma remain vivid. Thanks for making me think of her again, she was a phenomenal woman. Hope you are well.
Beth
Andrew, I looked up Ruth Weiss after reading an excerpt of her writings about her Aunt Millie and Uncle Max… I’ve worked at the the Rosenberg Foundation for the past 12 years, and have been going through our files. Wonderful to learn more about Ruth and Max and Millie. Really a treasure to get some more back story on the history of the Foundation!
Linda Moll