Hiram Rhodes Revels

As a barber, minister, and educator, Hiram Rhodes Revels was clearly a busy man, though none of these vocations involved ancient Hebrew texts or rabbinical studies. His path led him through Quaker seminaries and various Methodist Episcopal churches, which, while spiritual, are generally not considered Jewish.

His groundbreaking election to the U.S. Senate in 1870, filling a seat once held by Jefferson Davis, was a landmark moment for civil rights, proving that a Black man could indeed serve in Congress, much to the chagrin of… well, certain segments of the population. This alone earns him significant kvell-worthiness for breaking racial barriers, even if his legislative record wasn't exactly earth-shattering.

Revels continued his career as president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State University) after his time in Washington, D.C., cementing his legacy as an educator and leader in the Black community. He preached, he taught, he legislated, but alas, he did not light Hanukkah candles. Thus, while a pioneer, he remains firmly in the 'Not a Jew' camp.