ROTHSCHILD

The Rothschilds, a family of financiers and philanthropists, patrons of the arts and sciences, contributed substantially to Jewish causes, particularly the settlement of Eretz Israel. Their name became a symbol of Jewish wealth, influence and philanthropy.

Isaac Elchanan Rothschild, lived at the end of the 16th century and was the founder of this famous family.The surname is derived from the red shield (German: roth schild) which once hung in front of the Frankfort home of the founding father, who died in 1585.

The first prosperous Rothschild was Mayer Amschel (1744--1812), a trader in antiques and old coins established strong business ties with the future Landgrave William IX of Hesse-Kassel, a wealthy German nobleman. When the latter had to flee Germany in the face of the Napoleonic invasions, he asked Amschel’s son Nathan Mayer (1777-1836) to invest his money for him in British securities in London. Nathan’s financial transactions were so successful, that he rapidly became an outstanding figure on the London Stock Exchange, and served the British government in transferring large sums of money throughout Europe. His brothers who had established banks in Naples, Vienna, Frankfort, and Paris, helped Nathan in making his investments successful all over Europe. Ironically, the German branch was the shortest-lived, being discontinued in 1901. By then, however, the Rothschilds had loaned huge amounts to many German rulers and Mayer Karl (1820-1886) had  become the first Jew to be appointed to the Prussian House of Lords.

In England, Nathan Mayer married the sister-in-law of Sir Moses Montefiore. Their son, Lionel Nathan (1808-1879) took over the London branch of the Rothschild interests, establishing ties with members of the British government, simultaneously leading the struggle for Jewish emancipation in England. He became the first Jewish Member of Parliament, although he steadfastly refused to take the Christian oath required for membership.

Lionel’s son, Nathaniel Mayer (1840-1915), settled in England was a leader of the English -Jewish community, and held the post of president of the United Synagogue. He became Governor of the Bank of England, and  was director of many companies. He was knighted Lord Rothschild in 1885, becoming the first Jewish peer.

The French branch of the Rothschild family was almost as successful as their British relatives. Nathan Mayer’s youngest brother, James Jacob (1792--1868) settled in Paris in 1812 and founded the firm of Rothschild Freres. He took a great interest in the activities of the Jewish community in Paris and later in the whole of French Jewry.

James’ son, Edmond de Rothschild (1845-1934) became world-famous for his invaluable art collection and his unflagging philanthropic work. He gave crucial support to the early agricultural settlements in Eretz Israel, without his help it is unlikely that they would have survived. Because of his generous aid, he became known as the Father of the Yishuv. He also played a major role in the development of various industries in Eretz Israel, notably the wine industry. He contributed substantial funds towards the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Edmond’s eldest son, James Armand (1878-1957) left France to settle in England, where he continued his father’s philanthropic activities; these taken over by his son Edmond (1926- ), who became president of the Committee of Solidarity with Israel.

The Rothschild family remained very close-knit even though dispersed in various countries of Europe. They helped each other in financial decisions and often intermarried within the various branches. Though several Rothschild daughters had married Christians, the first male heir to do so was Eugene de Rothschild who married an American gentile in 1925. Since then there have been several mixed marriages and the Rothschild participation in Jewish communal activities has diminished.

Although the financial power of the Rothschilds decreased after World War I, they have continued to provide invaluable contributions to innumerable Jewish causes.

The stamp is a portrait of Baron Rothschild and stylised bunch of grapes.