Eugene V. Debs

Eugene V. Debs, a name synonymous with American socialism and labor activism, wasn't exactly lighting candles on Shabbat. Born in Indiana to parents of French and Alsatian (German-French) descent, his family tree appears to be devoid of any ancestral branches that might have swayed him towards a more "chosen" path.

Despite a life dedicated to fighting for the downtrodden, Debs's Jewish identity score languishes at a firm zero. He was, to put it mildly, more interested in organizing railway workers than organizing a minyan. His speeches thundered with calls for class solidarity, not calls to the Torah.

However, in the grand scheme of kvell-worthiness, one must admit his dedication to social justice and his willingness to go to jail for his beliefs (like, say, opposing WWI) show a certain... chutzpah. While he never quite made it to the White House, he did manage to unite a disparate group of workers, which, let's be honest, is a feat in itself. Perhaps we can consider his relentless pursuit of a fairer society a kind of secular tikkun olam.

So, no matzo balls for Debs, but a solid nod for fighting the good fight. He spent his life advocating for the "common man" – just not necessarily the common Jewish man.