Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild was born the youngest child of Baron Edouard de Rothschild, senior partner of the family's bank, Rothschild Freres. she studied biology at the Sorbonne before the family fled to the States due to the German invasion. there, she continued her studies at Columbia University and then joined the Free French Forces, ending the war as a liason between the French and British armies. In 1948, she married Arthur Bloomingdale, of the New York department store. After her divorce, she focused on being a great patron of dance, music and science, in both the States and Israel. She was not only Martha Graham's greatest benefactor, but she also assisted with wardrobe, tours and productions. Amongst her various interests, she established foundations to support the sciences, helped found the Rinat Choir and Chamber Music Association, assisted in improving housing for immigrants and founded two dance companies in Israel. Due to her great generosity and hands-on support, the world of music and dance were forever enhanced.