Eudora Welty

Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Eudora Welty became one of the most celebrated voices of the American South. Her keen observations of human nature and her distinct regional voice earned her critical acclaim, cementing her status as a literary giant who, alas, never penned a convincing tale of a yeshiva student's angst.

Welty's ancestry was a delightful mix of English and Swiss-German, offering a rich tapestry of non-Jewish heritage. Her family's Protestant roots were firmly planted, leaving absolutely no room for any whispers of ancient rabbis or secret synagogue attendance. One could say her Jew Score on the O axis is as low as a matzah ball in a very deep bowl of chicken soup.

Her literary achievements, however, are undeniably impressive. A Pulitzer Prize for The Optimist's Daughter, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a prolific output of short stories and novels certainly bring nachas to, well, anyone who appreciates good literature. While she might not be lighting Shabbat candles, her contributions to American letters are certainly something to kvell over, even if it's from a safe, kosher-free distance.