Dorothy K. Kripke

Dorothy Karp Kripke (February 6, 1912 – September 6, 2000) was an American author of Jewish educational books.^[1]

Early life

Kripke, born Dorothy Karp on February 6, 1912^[2] in New York City, was the daughter of Max Samuel Karp, a rabbi, and Goldie Karp (née Mereminsky).^[3]

In 1937 she married Rabbi Myer Kripke at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. They had three children, Saul, Madeline, and Netta.

Kripke died on September 6, 2000, in Omaha, after a long illness.^[1][2]

Career

Kripke was a Jewish Theological Seminary graduate, rebbetzin and children's book author, and is the mother of noted philosopher Saul A. Kripke.^[1][4]

Some of her books were illustrated by Vladimir Bobri.

Philanthropy

The Kripkes were active in philanthropy, which was based upon a decision to invest with their friend Warren Buffett. "The couple had known Buffett since the 1950s, playing bridge together and celebrating Thanksgivings. Dorothy Kripke urged her husband for several years to approach Buffett about investing their modest savings, but the rabbi resisted, saying the stake was too small to interest Buffett." As early investors with Buffett, the Kripkes benefitted greatly and were able to donate much of that money.^[5]

"Rabbi Kripke never earned more than $35,000 in any year, but the Kripkes had been saving their money and, combined with an inheritance, had accumulated nearly $70,000. Myer Kripke's wife Dorothy implored him to 'invest the money with your friend Warren.' Three years later, he got the courage to ask Warren to invest his worldly savings, and Warren accepted the money into his partnership. When Warren closed his partnership, he suggested that the rabbi roll his investment into Berkshire Hathaway's shares, which he did."^[6] This original investment of about $70,000 was now worth almost $25 million.^[6] The Kripkes, "despite their enormous worth, were never big spenders. They never owned any real estate and lived in an apartment in Omaha that they rented for less than $1,000 a month."^[6][7]

Works or publications

• Kripke, Dorothy K, and Aimee Neibart. Let's Talk About Being Jewish. New York: Ktav, 1952 [1981].
• Kripke, Dorothy K, and Jessie B. Robinson. Rhymes to Pray. New York: Bloch Pub. Co, 1952.
• Kripke, Dorothy K, and Vladimir Bobri. Let's Talk About God. New York: Behrman House, 1953.
• Kripke, Dorothy K, and Christine Tripp. Let's Talk About God. Los Angeles, CA: Alef Design Group, 2003. ISBN 978-1-881-28334-8 (2003 reprint of 1953 book with illustrations by Christine Tripp)
• Kripke, Dorothy K. Let's Talk About Right and Wrong. New York: Behrman House, 1955.
• Kripke, Dorothy K. Let's Talk About Judaism. New York: Behrman House, 1957.
• Kripke, Dorothy K. Debbie in Dreamland: Her Holiday Adventures. New York: National Women's league of the United Synagogue of America, 1960.
• Kripke, Dorothy K, Meyer Levin, Stephen Kraft, and Lorence F. Bjorkland. God and the Story of Judaism. New York: Behrman House, 1962.
• Kripke, Dorothy K. Let's Talk About the Jewish Holidays. New York: Jonathan David, 1970.
• Kripke, Dorothy K, Myer S. Kripke, and Laszlo Matulay. Let's Talk About Loving: About Love, Sex, Marriage, and Family. New York: Ktav Pub. House, 1980. ISBN 978-0-870-68913-0
• Kripke, Dorothy K, Stacy Crossland, and Joy N. Wieder. Let's Talk About the Sabbath. Los Angeles, Calif: Alef Design Group, 1999. ISBN 978-1-881-28318-8
• Kripke, Dorothy K. Children's Books and Stories About American Jewish Life and History: A Bibliography. New York: American Jewish Historical Society.

See also

• Myer S. Kripke
• Saul A. Kripke
• Jews in Omaha, Nebraska

Notes and references