Norman Ciment

Norman Ciment's diverse career encompasses law, mediation, politics, real estate, and philanthropy, all deeply influenced by his Orthodox Jewish faith. Educated at the University of Miami, he embarked on a legal career before entering politics. In 1967, he was elected to the Miami Beach city commission, and in 1971, he was appointed as a state judge by the governor. In 1981, he broke new ground by being elected in Miami Beach as the first Orthodox Jewish mayor of a major U.S. city and then building the first eruv in Florida. After retiring from his legal practice, he became a prominent mediator, real estate syndicator, and philanthropist focused on charities in Miami Beach and Israel. He pioneered a cyber-education degree program for Charedim in the IDF; created VouchersForLife.com to provide gift certificates from Israeli businesses to victims of terror; and started giveafridge.com to donate Israeli-made appliances to needy families. He is also on the Board of Governors at Tel Aviv University. Alongside his wife, Joan, Norman's family life, which includes their three sons and their families, remains central to his legacy of service and communal contribution.