Igor Sikorsky

Born in Kyiv to a family of Russian Orthodox heritage, Igor Sikorsky was a visionary who spent his life looking skyward. His father was a professor of psychology, and his mother was a doctor. While his personal faith was a significant part of his life, it was firmly rooted in Orthodox Christianity, not Judaism. So, despite his later relocation to America, he wasn't exactly seeking out a new synagogue.

Sikorsky's contributions to aviation are undeniable, from the world's first multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft (the Bolshoi Baltisky) to the first mass-produced helicopter. He designed flying machines that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, eventually founding Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. His work literally took off, making air travel safer and more accessible, which is certainly a kvelly achievement, even if he didn't design a flying gefilte fish.

His legacy includes iconic aircraft like the S-55 and the Black Hawk, which have served countless purposes, from rescue missions to military transport. While he might not have joined the tribe, he certainly joined the pantheon of inventors whose work significantly impacted humanity. We're just glad he stuck to engineering and didn't try to convert any of his inventions into a mobile sukkah.