Madame Kaula: From Jewish Orphan to Germany's Wealthiest Woman

Chaya Wasserman was born in 1739 in Buchau, Swabia, Germany, to her father R' Raphael Isaac and mother Rivka. She was affectionately known as Chayale Raphael, named after her father, a leader in the city's Jewish community.

Chaya was orphaned at a young age but inherited significant wealth and a keen business sense. Despite having five brothers, she was undeniably the most suited to inherit her father's businesses. She married Rabbi Akiva Auerbach at 18, a man dedicated to Torah study, whom she supported along with numerous other Jews through her thriving business and extensive connections. Her son, Meir, took on the role of her father as the head of the Jewish community.

At 29, and already a mother of five, she earned the title of 'Court Jew' for Duke Joseph Wenzel von Fürstenberg, who had an extravagant villa in the Black Forest. She became the exclusive supplier of jewelry, horses, and other luxuries to the Duke, gaining the moniker 'Madame Kaula,' a European twist on 'Chayale.' The Duke was perpetually in her debt, and Chayale rose to fame as the wealthiest Jew in the land. During this era, dukes and nobles loved to collect art and luxury items, their palaces brimming with treasures from around the world. This period was later mockingly termed 'Rococo,' an era seen as extravagant and tasteless, yet profitable for merchants.

Germany's dukes and nobles were flush with cash, thanks to high taxes imposed by landowners. They revelled in concerts and performances at their palaces, disconnected from the Enlightenment movement which had yet to flourish, while Jews remained largely excluded from this cultural sphere. One day, a merchant from Frankfurt visited Madame Kaula, proposing a venture. However, seeing the merchant's assimilation into non-Jewish culture and penchant for concerts, she declined the partnership. According to her diary, she told him, 'Young man, in our business you must work hard, not adorn yourself based on fashion magazines.'

Madame Kaula also forged strategic alliances with the great Dukes of Württemberg, launching several financial ventures that expanded both their fortunes and hers. She established a type of private bank, supplying them with cash loans secured against future income and collateral. Her bank held over one and a quarter million guilders, an enormous and extraordinary amount for the time. In 1790, she signed a contract with the Prussian army, supplying horses and weapons, and she continued to provide grain, food, horses, and other supplies throughout the war against Napoleon. Additionally, she was a supplier of salt, a critical commodity for lands distant from the sea, extracted from specialized mines.

In 1807, the Austrian Emperor awarded her the prestigious Gold Medal and the title of 'Imperial Advisor,' along with tax-exempt residency in Stuttgart, where a street still bears her name today.

Madame Kaula supported a kolel for Torah scholars in Hechingen, her hometown, and aided the poor across the nation. She established inns for traveling Jews, offering kosher food and respectable conditions. She was renowned for her generosity, fear of God, and dedication to all matters of Jewish concern.

Chayale passed away on 1 Nisan 5569, March 18, 1809, and was buried in the Jewish cemetery in Hechingen. Her grave is an impressive stone structure with engravings, and her headstone reads:

'A precious woman, of clear and noble visage,

In wisdom and counsel, her hand triumphantly succeeded.

Her household flourished with eternal renown,

Now she has departed this life.

Her family grieves greatly, mourning with the impoverished of her people.

Her fallen crown, lamented by all.

And those who leaned on her now sigh in sorrow.

On Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh Nisan, she departed.

The honorable Kaula, daughter of R' Raphael, of blessed memory.'