Max M. Fisher ז''ל , Founding Chairman

Max Fisher ז''ל played a leading role in establishing the Pincus Fund, and he served as Chairman of the Fund from 1977-2005. Mr. Fisher believed that quality Jewish education is the key to Jewish continuity. He viewed the Fund as a catalyst for the development of new ideas and new models for Jewish education in the Diaspora. His extraordinary business skills and far-sightedness advanced the Fund's work.

The son of Russian immigrants to the United States, Max Fisher grew up in a small town in Ohio. Through decades of a remarkably successful business career, he also worked energetically on behalf of many public causes. He championed the economic revitalization of Detroit, and actively led and supported numerous charities and civic organizations. He served as advisor to four American presidents.

Max Fisher played a prominent role in almost every major Jewish communal organization. He served as Founding Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

In 1998, the Pincus Fund established the Max M. Fisher Prize for Jewish Education in the Diaspora, to honor Mr. Fisher on his 90th birthday and to formally recognize his work on behalf of the Fund. The prize is awarded annually to an individual who has significantly advanced Jewish education in the Diaspora.