Eero Saarinen

Eero Saarinen, the son of famed architect Eliel Saarinen and textile artist Loja Saarinen, inherited a knack for design and a complete absence of Jewish heritage. Born in Finland and later moving to the United States, his family’s Lutheran background left little room for matzo ball soup or synagogue attendance. Consequently, his "I" and "O" scores remain firmly in the gentile realm.

Despite this genetic shortcoming, Saarinen left an indelible mark on American design. From the soaring arches of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the sleek, sculptural TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport, his neofuturistic style defined an era. His furniture designs, like the "Womb Chair" and the "Tulip Chair," became instant classics, proving that one doesn't need to be Jewish to possess impeccable taste and a flair for the dramatic.

While he never designed a synagogue (that we know of), his work certainly evokes a sense of awe, which, if you squint hard enough, could almost be considered spiritual. He passed away prematurely at the age of 51, leaving behind a legacy of buildings and objects that continue to make design enthusiasts kvell, regardless of their background. A genuine gentile genius, we'll give him that.