Dorothy Eisenberg

Dorothy Eisenberg was born in Cleveland, the daughter of Jewish immigrants Ann and David Adler. Her family soon moved to Philadelphia, where she spent the first chapter of her life. As a high-school student she fought rising antisemitism, working with the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation. In 1948 she married Ralph Weinstein, with whom she had four daughters, Beth, Joan, Ruth and Amy. Her life changed suddenly when Ralph was killed in an airplane crash, leaving her with four children under the age of 10. She returned to college at Temple University and completed a degree in education.

In 1964 she moved to Las Vegas with her second husband, Paul Eisenberg, who had two daughters, Merrill and Deborah. There she became what she called "the last generation of full-time volunteers." She joined the League of Women Voters, serving as President from 1971-73. During her tenure the League brought suit against the Clark County school district for failing to implement a mandated desegregation plan. She also led early environmental efforts in Las Vegas, including reducing air and water pollution.

Gov. Mike O'Callaghan appointed her to the Employee Management Relations Board in 1974, where she served as chair from 1977-81. The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas elected her president in 1979—the first woman to hold this office. She went on to chair the United Way Community Planning Council and became a member of the United Way Executive Board in 1983. She also helped form the Silver State Political Action Committee, raising funds nationally for candidates supportive of Israel and of women's' issues, working closely with Harry Reid.

In 1987, Gov. Richard Bryan named her one of three commissioners of newly created Bullfrog County, an effort to block a proposed federal nuclear dump at Yucca Mountain. She was also involved for years with the Public Education Foundation, and in the early 1990s was elected president of the Women's Democratic Club of Clark County, of which she was a proud lifelong member.

In recognition of her many civic contributions, an elementary school was named in her honor in 1991. She proudly led 700 parents, teachers, and students, dressed as pioneers and escorted by a covered wagon, as they trekked to the new school. Over the years her greatest delights came in reading to children in the school library, making latkes for them at Hanukkah, and forging lifelong friendships with the school's principals and talented teachers and staff.

She traveled widely, braving the Jordan River on a kayak, wandering the desert of Petra, dogsledding in Alaska, and hiking a glacier. Into her early 90s she enjoyed power walks in the neighborhood, trips to Israel, time with family and friends, the minyan at Temple Midbar Kodesh, and NPR newscasts. She delighted in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren spread across the globe.

She is survived by daughters, Joan Weinstein (Los Angeles), Ruth Weinstein (Israel), and Amy Weinstein (Pasadena); stepdaughters Merrill Eisenberg (Tucson) and Deborah Morse (Israel); her brother Herbert Adler (Philadelphia); 15 cherished grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by beloved daughter, Beth Weinstein. Her family honors her lifetime of progressive politics, Tikkun Olam, and volunteer service.

Burial was at Kibbutz Nachshon in Israel. A memorial service in Las Vegas will be held on Sunday, October 9 at King David Memorial Chapel.