Traces the life of Isidor and Ida Straus, both German Jewish immigrants who arrived as children in America in the early 1850s. This emphasises their work together as a couple, focusing not only on Isidor's important roles as businessman, member of congress, and philanthropist, but also on Ida's contributions as matriarch of the family, as well as a stalwart supporter of her husband and one who engaged in philanthropic and creative activities of her own.