Brought up in the Jewish ghetto of Frankfurt, Nathan Mayer Rothschild (1777-1836) and his brothers were imbued with a strong sense of the tradition of Zedaka, which places expectations on members of the community to work for social justice by offering material support for those in need. As the family's wealth and influence grew, so did their commitment to this principle, along with their ability to apply it in more ambitious ways. The entire family preferred to become wholeheartedly involved in their favourite philanthropic interests, rather than simply making random payments to worthy causes.
The Rothschilds in Frankfurt
In Frankfurt, Louise von Rothschild (1820-1894) and her seven daughters were responsible for many of the family's 30 charitable foundations in the city, including a dental clinic, a free public library, a swimming bath, old people's homes, orphanages, funds to pay school fees, soup kitchens and hospitals. Vienna perhaps had the most astonishing variety of foundations established by the family: alongside the more usual hospitals, orphanages and educational foundations were a municipal theatre and a foundation for destitute photographers, one member of the family being a particular enthusiast for this art form.
The English Rothschilds
Nathan supported the Jewish community, making donations to the synagogues in London, and initiating a series of discussions which led eventually to the formation of the United Synagogue. Nathan's children recognised their obligations just as keenly. His eldest son, Lionel (1808-1879), became the first Jewish Member of Parliament after an 11-year battle, paving the way for the removal of the final civil disabilities affecting the Jewish community. Members of the Rothschild family supported the Jews’ Free School in London’s East End school over several generations.
The French family
In Paris, the Rothschild Fondation constructed social housing to an exceptionally advanced standard for the time. Perhaps the most radical programme of Rothschild philanthropy was staged beyond the cities where the family established banking houses. Israel owes many of its early economic successes to the work of Edmond de Rothschild (1845-1934), who founded numerous colonies for Jewish settlers.
Read more about the range of charitable endeavours supported by the family »
