Efraim Reich: A Life of Business and Faith
A Passion for Torah Over Wealth
Efraim Reich expresses a strong preference for the world of teaching and scholarship over wealth. While he acknowledges his success in the business world, he holds Torah scholars in much higher esteem than businesspeople.
- He aspires for all five of his sons to dedicate themselves to Torah study.
- Despite his financial achievements, his values are deeply rooted in faith and learning.
The Success of Imagestore
Efraim Reich is the owner of Imagestore, a company specializing in digital archiving. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly:
- Acquired in 2000 when it had just 20 employees and an annual sales volume of $500,000.
- Today, it boasts over 200 employees with an expected sales volume of $10 million for the upcoming year.
- The company focuses on scanning documents, converting them into digital files, and microfilming.
A Leader with a Strong Social Mission
Reich stands out not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to social responsibility:
- Employment Opportunities:
- Provides jobs for ultra-Orthodox women, handicapped women, and older immigrant women.
- Employees earn slightly above the minimum wage, with high performers receiving an additional NIS 2,000 per month.
- Encouraging Diversity:
- Ultra-Orthodox and secular women work side by side.
- The company dining area has three microwave ovens catering to different dietary standards:
- Kosher
- Mehadrin (more stringently kosher)
- Non-kosher
Influences and Personal History
Reich’s worldview was shaped by Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Halberstam, the previous rebbe of the Sanz Hassidic sect. His connection to the rebbe was deeply personal:
- At age 17, he was sent to New Jersey to serve as the rebbe’s personal assistant.
- His father was a devoted follower of the rebbe and immigrated to Israel at his urging in the late 1950s.
- The rebbe guided his father into construction, leading to the establishment of Kiryat Sanz in Netanya.
- Reich maintains a close relationship with his father, frequently conversing with him in Yiddish.
Overcoming Challenges
Efraim Reich, now 43 years old, is the eighth of 12 sons and faced challenges growing up:
- Struggled with attention deficit disorder (ADD), which influenced his education and development.
- His parents encouraged him to excel in alternative areas such as visiting the ill and organizing books.