Isaac recalled once visiting Baron Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, the son of the firm’s founder, at his home on a Saturday, where he was observing the Sabbath. Seated at a table covered with documents, the elderly banker took the occasion to remind Isaac of his superiority not only in financial matters but in spiritual ones, too: “I am a better Jew than you. You go to business on Saturdays. I do not. My office is closed.” Isaac, always quick with a riposte, replied: “I think you do more business in this little room on Saturdays than I do during the whole week in my office!”[41]
