Hadassah official Bornfeld dies

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2001 | 9:09 a.m.

Rita Bornfeld in her writings for Hadassah newsletters in New York and Las Vegas continually urged American Jews to not only support Israel but also make sure the people in the Middle East Jewish state knew they were being supported.

Bornfeld came to Las Vegas in 1998 and organized meetings to draw financial and humanitarian support for Israel and continue efforts to change the feelings of some in Israel who claim American Jews aren't as supportive as they should be.

Bornfeld, who for many years served as communications director for Hadassah in New Rochelle, N.Y., and also was active in the Sisterhood of the Congregation Ner Tamid in Las Vegas, died Wednesday from complications of heart surgery at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. She was 78.

Services will be Monday at the Weinstein-Flynn Chapel in Yonkers, N.Y. King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery in Las Vegas is handling the local arrangements. Interment will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery in New Jersey.

"In every instance I can recall, my mother put other people's deeds and comfort ahead of her own," said Steve Bornfeld, former Las Vegas Sun features editor. "I can't imagine a better legacy for a human being than that. My goal in honoring her is to someday achieve that level of humanity."

Bornfeld also is survived by a sister, Natalie Kaye of California, and a nephew Peter Green of Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by a brother, longtime Las Vegas Strip booking agent Art Engler, and a sister, Claire Green.

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