Maximilian Heller

[1] Heller's father faced severe financial setbacks in the late 1870s, which motivated the family to immigrate to America.

Heller stayed in Prague to finish his education at the Neustadter Gymnasium and prepare for a proposed medical career.

But as his family's financial situation didn't improve enough to afford continuing his education in Europe, he immigrated to America following his graduating from the Gymnasium in 1879 and lived with them in Chicago, Illinois.

He was editor of the New Orleans Jewish Leader from 1896 to 1897, an editorial writer for The American Israelite from 1902 to 1914, and a frequent contributor to the local press.

[5] Heller became interested in Zionism through his love of modern Hebrew literature and while serving with Rabbi Bernhard Felsenthal at Zion Congregation in Chicago.

Within two years of Wise's death, he publicly declared himself a Zionist, despite widespread opposition to Zionism in Reform Judaism at the time.

His election as vice-president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis in 1907 and as president in 1909 were controversial due to his support for Zionism.

[9] Nearly two thousand people attended his funeral at Temple Sinai, including representatives from various Jewish and non-Jewish sections of the community.