Ruth Firestone Brin

Brin, Ruth Firestone Age 88, died Sept. 30, 2009. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard Brin, mother of Judith Brin Ingber (Jerome), Aaron (Harriet), David (David), Rabbi Deborah Brin (Yael), grandmother of Noah and Shai Ingber (Melissa), and great-grandmother of Sasha Juliana, brother-in-law, Charles Brin (Beryl), and many nieces, nephews and friends across many generations. Ruth was a well known author of 13 published books including, poetry, non-fiction, a memoir, children's books and a novel, published when she was 85. For 35 years she reviewed books for the Star Tribune, and recently for the American Jewish World. Ruth's poetic interpretation of Biblical texts and ancient prayers made them relevant and accessible for our lives today. A ground breaking poet whose woman's voice was crucial to creating space for women in the traditional Jewish contexts, she led the way in liberal Jewish movements. A nationally known liturgist in the Jewish world, it is difficult to find a Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist prayer book or anthology that does not include her writings. She was a founding editor of "Identity Magazine." Ruth, the daughter of the late Milton and Irma Firestone, grew up in St. Paul, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College and received a master's degree from the U of M. In 2007, she was recognized with the Outstanding Alumnae Award from the College of Liberal Arts, U of M. In 1985, she received the Keter Shem Tov Award, from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. She and her husband Howard were leaders in the Mpls Jewish Community. A nature lover and world traveler, Ruth was involved in the civil affairs of the Twin Cities. During World War II she worked for the War Production Board in Washington, DC, and later taught at Macalester College and the U of M Extension. She lectured and taught in many venues, continuing to write book reviews and teaching classes on Biblical studies until her death. In lieu of flowers gifts can be given to The Howard B. Brin Endowment for the Arts at the Mpls Jewish Fed. 13100 Wayzata Blvd., Mtka. 55305; the Ruth and Howard Brin Scholarship Fund at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College 1299 Church Rd., Wyncote, PA, 19095 or the American Indian College Fund 833 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221-4448. Funeral service FRIDAY (TODAY) 1 PM at ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION, 10500 W. Hillside Ln., Mtka. Family will receive friends at 7:30 PM Sun. through Wed. at 4209 Basswood Rd and Thursday, 7:30 PM at The Kenwood, 825 Summit Ave, Mpls. Hodroff-Epstein 612-871-1234 www.hodroffepstein.com