Friday, Nov. 7, 2003 | 5:08 a.m.
WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 8 - 9, 2003
When it comes to retirement, Robert Mirisch doesn't take the easy route.
While most retirees dream of lounging around at relaxing resorts, Mirisch continues to do what he does best -- help others.
For more than 30 years, Mirisch was a prominent attorney, executive of several motion picture production companies and tireless volunteer in the Los Angeles Jewish community.
Just over a year ago, the California native decided to relocate to Las Vegas and got the job as executive director of Temple Beth Sholom, one of the most venerable and visible religious institutions in Las Vegas.
Having been a longtime advocate for organ donation, Mirisch decided to take his interest one step further. He joined the Nevada Donor Network's board of directors.
Mirisch immediately tied the two organizations together with one specific cause in mind: to clear up misconceptions about organ donation among the Jewish community.
Mirisch helped create Las Vegas' first Donor Sabbath Weekend.
National Donor Sabbath is a weekend chosen by Congress for all faiths to acknowledge and promote the importance of organ tissue donation, Mirisch explained. Until this year it has not been celebrated in Las Vegas.
From Friday through Nov. 16, many Jewish organizations across Southern Nevada will be part of an effort to raise understanding, boost the number of registered donors and increase the life-saving donations from the community.
More than 20 organizations are participating, from local synagogues to the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center, Mirisch said.
On Friday and Nov. 15, rabbis will speak about the importance of organ donation and will clear up any misconceptions.
The community will join together on Nov. 16 at the West Charleston Library Auditorium, between Torrey Pines and Jones Boulevard, to learn about the "Mitzvah of organ donation."
The event will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and include remarks from Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., a panel discussion with doctors and rabbis concerning the myths and facts of organ and tissue donation, and recognition of donors, donor family members and transplant recipients.
The discussions will be followed by a question-and-answer period and reception.
Mirisch said that the weekend is an opportunity to save lives and bring the growing Las Vegas Jewish community closer.
Many people in the Jewish community believe that donating organs is not in accordance with Jewish beliefs, Mirisch said, but that is not the case.
"There is an ancient belief in the practice of Judaism that it is against Jewish law to desecrate the body by autopsy and that kind of thing," he said. "Of course thousands of years ago they never would have dreamed of organ transplantation. Many people in the Jewish community truly believe it is against the religion."
Anne Sagel, Nevada Donor Network's education director, said there are currently 157 people waiting for kidneys in the Las Vegas area. Hundreds, if not thousands, are waiting for other organs, she said.
"Donor Sabbath weekend is very important in bringing together leaders, experts and those people whose lives have been impacted by transplant, to answer questions, address issues and offer insight."
Mirisch is hopeful that the weekend will help convince the Jewish community that organ donation is one of the best things a person could do for his neighbor.
"You can help eight people if you qualify to donate your organs," he said. "That's how I want to go out -- helping people. It's the gift of life and everyone has the ability to try."
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