Norman Lipoff

Norman Lipoff

Norman Lipoff

Norman Lipoff Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

I identify with the Jewish people and view myself as a link in the chain of Jewish history. It is my heritage and I am proud of it. The Jewish people have suffered through the centuries, but we are still here. Although I am not observant, I believe we should respect every Jew regardless of their background, dress or religious practices. This is a part of advancing the unity of the Jewish people, which is important. After taking various leadership positions during college and in my

Norman Lipoff

early professional career, I increasingly felt I should devote my efforts to activities that were meaningful to me. In the early seventies, I was invited to join the National Young Leadership Cabinet of United Jewish Appeal (UJA). It was there that I encountered peers that I could relate to who cared deeply about being Jewish and about Israel. It had a strong impact on me. I found what was most meaningful to me.

I developed a passion for strengthening the Jewish people and Israel. I concluded that Federation had the most significant impact in Jewish affairs and in the Jewish community. I became active in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, first on a planning committee, then as Chair of its Foundation (the endowment arm) and then in its annual campaigns, the critical component to the success of any organization. I chaired the

Federation Campaign and served later as President. I became a National Officer of UJA, the primary advocate for the needs of Israel and Jews overseas, where I served more than two decades. My expertise as a tax lawyer and experience in the Federation Foundation led to my serving five years as National Chairman of Endowment Development for what is now The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). I tried to educate and motivate others to create a personal Jewish legacy. Israel is critical to the future of the Jewish people, and a prime motivator in the

Nancy and Norman Lipoff

development of Jewish identity for Jews all over the world. I was privileged in 1984 to be asked to join the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency for Israel, where I served for 12 years. While there, I chaired the important Budget and Finance Committee and then served for four years (1990-1994) as National Chairman of United Israel Appeal (UIA), the head of the American delegation to JAFI. Those were exciting years, when over one million Jews from the former Soviet Union came to Israel, brought there and helped to be absorbed by JAFI.

The Miami Federation formed a Renewal Commission, which developed and expanded programs for Miami Jews to enhance Jewish identity and involvement, and I served as the first Chairman. I also chaired a capital campaign to build a new Hillel Jewish Center at the University of Florida, which I am proud to say bears my name. It has been a source of pride and satisfaction whenever someone indicates that “Norman H. Lipoff Hall” changed their life. My activities were further expanded by clients who created Private Foundations and had the confidence to name me as a Trustee. These three foundations, which I chair, follow the priorities of the founders and provide substantial support for programs in Israel and in the Jewish community locally and nationally. It has been my privilege to play a meaningful role in what became my lifetime passion, the strengthening of the Jewish people, the Jewish community and Israel. I am also grateful that I have had the support of my loving wife and best friend, Nancy, throughout my journey. I am fortunate that I can leave behind a Jewish legacy in both tangible financial support and in continuing strong links in the chain of Jewish history through my children and grandchildren.

Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Temple Beth Am AND Rambam Day School

Presented by The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation