Meir Kahane

Meir Kahane, born Martin David Kahane in Brooklyn, was indeed a rabbi. And not just any rabbi, but an Orthodox one, steeped in yeshiva education and deeply connected to Jewish tradition. His Jewish identity wasn't just a hat he wore; it was the entire wardrobe, the house, and the furniture inside. Origin? Impeccable, with a lineage that reportedly included a number of prominent rabbis. No surprises there. He probably came out of the womb debating Talmud.

However, Kahane's approach to Jewish identity veered sharply into the ultranationalist, founding the Jewish Defense League (JDL) and later the Kach party in Israel. While some might argue his fierce advocacy for Jewish rights and security was commendable, his methods and rhetoric were... let's say, divisive. His calls for the expulsion of Arabs from Israel and his general intolerance earned him condemnation from across the political and religious spectrum, even leading to the banning of his party.

Kvell-worthiness is where things get tricky. For those who believe a Jewish leader should promote peace, coexistence, or at least not incite racial hatred, Kahane registers a solid zero. His legacy is largely one of extremism, and even many staunch Zionists wouldn't exactly brag about him at a Shabbat dinner. He certainly made noise, but it was often the kind of noise that made other Jews wince.

So, a Jew by every measure of birth and practice, but one whose actions left a rather bitter taste in the collective Jewish mouth. His passion for Judaism was undeniable, but his particular brand of it wasn't exactly winning him many "nice Jewish boy" awards.