Description:
How might we learn from others’ experiences as we talk about death? Join us in conversation with Ruth Messinger as she recounts the recent journey walking alongside her late husband, Andrew Lachman, during his accompanied suicide in Switzerland. She shares with us the story and difficulties along the way, all while honoring his wishes with sensitivity and strength.
Watch the other videos in this series: What Does Jewish Law Say? and What’s a Jew to Do?
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Ruth W. Messinger served as President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS) from 1998 to 2016 and is now the organization’s inaugural Global Ambassador. She continues her work advocating for oppressed, persecuted and poor communities worldwide, engaging rabbis and interfaith leaders to learn about global justice issues and speak out for change. She is an adjunct faculty member of the Jewish Theological Seminary. Ruth also works as a social justice consultant and facilitates learning for rabbinic students and women social justice Entrepreneurs.
In addition, Ruth focuses currently on supporting immigrants and asylum seekers in New York, helping them build new lives after fleeing oppression. A West Sider for life, she is deeply engaged in both local and global issues, bringing the same passion for justice to her neighborhood as she does to the wider world.
Before her tenure at AJWS, Ruth had a 20-year career in public service, including roles as a New York City Council member and Manhattan Borough President. She was a strong advocate for children, public education, campaign finance reform, LGBTQ+ rights, neighborhood development, and small business support. She remains deeply involved with urban issues and politics.
Ruth has received numerous awards for her leadership from national organizations and seminaries. She is an active member of her congregation and serves on the boards of Aegis Trust and the Interfaith Center of NY. She also recently walked alongside her husband, Andrew Lachman, during his accompanied suicide journey, honoring his wishes with compassion and strength.
Ruth holds a B.A. from Radcliffe College and an M.S.W. from the University of Oklahoma. She is a retired educator, and has three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.