Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem, born in Toledo, Ohio, became a household name synonymous with the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s. As co-founder of Ms. magazine and a prolific writer, she tirelessly campaigned for gender equality, reproductive rights, and other social justice issues, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of women's liberation. One might even say she helped women kvell for themselves.

While Steinem is not overtly religious, her maternal grandmother, Pauline Perlmutter Steinem, was Jewish and a prominent figure in the suffrage movement, serving as president of the Ohio Woman's Suffrage Association. This lineage provides a clear, if somewhat distant, Jewish origin, though it rarely featured in her public persona or activism.

Her impact on American society and beyond is undeniable. Steinem's sharp intellect, unwavering commitment, and ability to articulate the grievances and aspirations of a generation of women brought about significant societal shifts. For those who believe in progress, particularly for women, her career is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and a source of considerable nachas.