Max Reich Papers

SC-91
Reich, Max Isaac, 1867-1945
5 Boxes (4 linear feet)
1923-1952 (bulk:1924-1945)

Introduction
The collection highlights the writings and work of Max Reich, Max Reich, a Jewish Christian, professor of biblical studies and founder of the International Hebrew Christian Alliance.

Provenance: The collection was originally donated to the Faculty/Alumni Collection begun in 1976, however the time or circumstances of donation is uncertain.

Restrictions: There are no restrictions on this collection. Duplication may be restricted if copying could cause damage to items.

Collection Description
The collection is organized into eight series (Biographical, Correspondence, Diaries/Notes, Sermons, Poetry, Published Materials, Secondary, Photographs). The bulk of the collection is found in Reich’s writings, either manuscript or published, related to Hebrew Christian matters.

Biographical/Historical Sketch
Max Isaac Reich was born on March 17, 1867 in Berlin, Germany, and was the son of Adolphus and Emma (Wolff) Reich. The original family name, Tugendreich, was Jewish in origin when “Max” was known as Isaac Ben Abraham. Reich received his early education in Berlin and London.

A British subject, Reich came to the United States in 1885 to work as a missionary with the Indians of Kansas and Arkansas after serving as an apprentice in the printing trade in London from 1880. Married to Esther Mary Lorenzen on September 5, 1888, and together they had nine children: Florence, Annie, William, Edward, Esther, Alice, John, Lawrence and Joseph.

Reich’s accomplishments include working as a minister in the Society of Friends, as an expositor and a leader among Christian Jews in the United States and in Germany, as the founder of the Hebrew Christian Alliance of America in 1915 and then serving as President from 1921 to 1927, 1935 to 1938 and honorary President for five years, as the founder of the International Hebrew Christian Alliance in 1927, as an extension lecturer of Jewish Missions at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois where Reich eventually became a member of the faculty and a department head, and as a holder of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity which he received from Wheaton College in 1936.

Riech authored eight books and dozens of tracts and pamphlets, including Studies in Messianic Prophecy and Studies in the Psalms of Israel. He also wrote several articles which were published in a variety of Christian magazines.

Reich died suddenly in 1945 at age 79.

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