Abraham Reich

Parents and Birth

Abraham was born in 1766 to Salamon (Kalman son of Feitel) Reich. His birth was recorded in the Hranice Jewish records, but it is possible that Abraham was actually born in Kelč (a town near Hranice whose Jewish records were recorded together with Hranice), which may have been where Salamon was living at the time.

Abraham's mother was likely named Barbara. An older Barbara Reich died in Abraham's house in 1801, and Abraham named his next daughter Barbara.

Paternity of Nathan Feitel Reinitz

As discussed in the profile of Rabbi Nathan Feitel Reinitz, a review of records from Hranice strongly suggests that his parents were Abraham and Devora Reich.

In 1927, Hugo Gold published a book (Jews of Moravia) that included a section about Hranice written by Prof. Dr. J. Rabbinowicz. That section states (apparently erroneously) that Nathan Feitel's father was Abraham Trischet, the rabbi in Hranice starting in approx. 1812. Unfortunately, numerous later books restated this mistake as fact. The profile of Abraham Trischet expands on the evidence that he is not the father of Nathan Feitel Reinitz.

A great grandson of Nathan Feitel (Natan Aaron Moskovitz) published a three volume series of books (Zichron Kedoshim) in the early 1960s that discussed the family's history. The third volume explains that the family's name was formerly Reich. However, this book series also includes information that appears incorrect, like stating that Nathan Feitel's middle name was Yitzhak, and stating that Nathan Feitel's paternal grandfather was named Eli.

Names

Abraham Reich apparently named his first son Nathan Feitel, which seems to have been the name of Abraham's grandfather. Nathan Feitel Reinitz named his oldest son Kalman, which seems to have been the Hebrew name of Abraham Reich's father, and the apparent name of Abraham Reich's great grandfather.

Towns of Residence

Initially, as mentioned, Abraham may have lived in Kelč, where he may have been born. Abraham appears to have been married in Teschen (now divided between Český Těšín, Czech Republic and Cieszyn, Poland), which is listed on his marriage record. It is unclear whether he was living there at some point or, more likely, that his wife was from that town.

On July 14, 1794, Abraham obtained a spot on the Hranice Familianten list. In September 1794, Abraham married his first wife Veronika (Devora). By the January 1800, Abraham is living in House #17 (which is owned by his father), as that is the first time that the birth record of one of Abraham's children lists a house number.