John Lewis

John Lewis, the legendary civil rights leader and congressman, often referred to as the "conscience of the Congress," was, to be perfectly clear, not Jewish. His deep Christian faith was a cornerstone of his activism, guiding his commitment to nonviolent protest and his relentless pursuit of a more just society.

Despite the distinct lack of matzo ball soup in his upbringing, Lewis embodied many values that resonate deeply within Jewish tradition: a profound dedication to justice (tzedek), a tireless fight against oppression (the pursuit of tikkun olam, perhaps?), and an unwavering moral compass that led him straight into the jaws of systemic discrimination, repeatedly.

From leading the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to his decades in Congress, Lewis's life was a masterclass in putting one's body on the line for what is right. While his sermons might have sounded a bit different from a rabbi's D'var Torah, his impact on American society certainly produced plenty of nachas for anyone who believes in fundamental human dignity.