Pair of Magnificent Prayer Books – Editions of E.L. de Rothschild (Eddie Rothschild) in His Youth – London, 1927 ...

Pair of Magnificent Prayer Books – Editions of E.L. de Rothschild (Eddie Rothschild) in His Youth – London, 1927

Title: Avodat Ohel Moed (The Service of the Tent of Meeting)

Author: Rabbi Nathan Adler of London

Published: London, 1927

Edition: Two volumes, one for Sukkot and the other for Yom Kippur, with English translations and laws by Rabbi Nathan Adler.

Description:

These two beautiful prayer books, part of the Avodat Ohel Moed series, contain the prayers and laws for the Jewish festivals of Sukkot and Yom Kippur, accompanied by a complete English translation and explanations of the relevant laws. Rabbi Nathan Adler, an esteemed rabbi in the London Jewish community, wrote the work as a guide to help Jews understand the religious practices associated with these important holidays.

Physical Features:

Binding: The books are bound in elegant black leather with gold embossing on the spines, featuring the initials E.L.DE.R (for Edmund Leopold de Rothschild) in gold leaf, signaling their ownership by the Rothschild family.

Page Layout: The books are beautifully printed, with thick paper, ornate illustrated title pages (on thick, high-quality paper), and red-letter headings on the English title pages.

Gilded Edges: The pages are gilded, adding a touch of luxury to the volumes, while fabric ribbons serve as markers for easy reference.

Condition: The condition of both volumes is excellent, with very minor signs of wear consistent with age, but the overall presentation remains stunning.

Context and Historical Significance:

Edmund Leopold de Rothschild (1916–2009), also known as Eddie Rothschild, was a prominent British-Jewish banker, horticulturist, and philanthropist. He was the grandson of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, a key figure in the family's British banking empire.

Career and Contributions: Eddie Rothschild worked at the family's investment bank, N.M. Rothschild & Sons, from 1939, and became a senior partner in 1960. He played a crucial role in modernizing and expanding the bank during the 1950s and 1960s, transforming it from a conservative family-run business into an international financial institution.

Military Service and Leadership: He served as a British Army officer during World War II, including as a captain in the Jewish Brigade. After the war, he played a major role in the recovery of Axbury Gardens in Hampshire.

Horticultural Achievements: Rothschild was deeply passionate about gardening and earned a Victoria Medal of Honour in 2005 for his contributions to the field of horticulture, especially in the cultivation of alpine lilies and the breeding of azaleas.

Rothschild Legacy: Eddie Rothschild's personal connection to these prayer books highlights the Rothschild family's long-standing dedication to Jewish culture and education, as well as their prominent role in British society and philanthropy.

Significance of the Books:

These prayer books are incredibly rare and significant due to their connection to Eddie Rothschild, a member of one of the wealthiest and most influential Jewish families in the world. The books are not only important as religious artifacts but also as symbols of the Rothschild family's commitment to Judaism, Jewish education, and tradition.

The elaborate and well-preserved binding reflects the Rothschild family's taste for high-quality books and their patronage of fine craftsmanship.

Conclusion:

This pair of prayer books from 1927, owned by Eddie Rothschild, is a remarkable testament to the Rothschild family's legacy of support for Jewish culture and education. The books, both magnificent in design and condition, stand as both religious treasures and historical artifacts, reflecting the importance of the Rothschild family's connection to Jewish tradition. Their beautiful craftsmanship and personal significance make them highly valuable to collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of Jewish history and the Rothschild family's contributions.