Tephillah LeBenei Yisrael. A prayer service for Napoleon’s pregnant wife, to be recited every morning.

(FRANCE).

(1810)

Manuscript written in Hebrew (couple words in French) on paper.

A specially composed prayer for the health and well-being of Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise (1791-1847), who was then pregnant with Napoleon’s firstborn child. The text indicates that this prayer service was instituted by the Consistoire Central Israélite de France, which of course was established by Napoleon himself in 1808. Before concluding with Psalm 72, the text prays that Napoleon “under whose shade his faithful dwell” will be rewarded with a “Bayith Ne’eman,” a home completed by children.