Jewish Women Prominent Among Female Sexuality Pioneers

Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, of “Grace And Frankie” Image by Getty Images
I think I owe it to Sisterhood readers to click on, and link to, a post with the title, “These Jewish Women Think You Should Masturbate.” It’s not every day I see such a headline, but today just happens to be — as I learned from Bella Book’s JWA post — the final day of “both Jewish American Heritage Month and National Masturbation Month.” The latter was the brainchild of Joani Blank, founder of San Francisco’s Good Vibrations, and — you guessed it — Jewish woman.
Other Jewish women credited with innovations in the solo-pleasure department include some expected contenders (specifically: Dr. Ruth Westheimer) and others less so (Judy Blume). While we’re on the topic, I’d throw in Frankie from Netflix series “Grace And Frankie”, a fictional Jewish woman, yes, but an entrepreneur selling vibrators for older women.
Phoebe Maltz Bovy edits the Sisterhood, and can be reached at [email protected]. She is the author of “The Perils Of ‘Privilege’”, from St. Martin’s Press. Follow her on Twitter, @tweetertation
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
