Rothschild commissioned the construction the synagogue in memory of his father Jacob Mayer de Rothschild. It was completed in 1886.[2] Its name, Ohel Yaakov, means "Tent of Jacob" and alludes to the biblical Jacob, who "dwelled in tents" according to Genesis 25:27. The synagogue, which has a large main section for men and a second-floor, wraparound women's section, has a Holy ark made of white marble and marble interior walls.