Nikola Tesla

Born in Smiljan, Austrian Empire (modern-day Croatia), Tesla's origins were decidedly Eastern Orthodox, his father a Serbian Orthodox priest and his mother a talented inventor in her own right. Despite his later American citizenship, his lineage offered precisely zero opportunities for a nice brisket dinner.

Tesla was a man of science, not religion, and certainly not the Jewish one. While he was known for his eccentricities and groundbreaking work in electrical engineering, his spiritual leanings did not include synagogue attendance or a penchant for matzo ball soup. His identity was firmly rooted in his scientific pursuits, leaving no room for a Jewish label.

However, the Kvell-worthiness factor for Tesla is off the charts. His work on alternating current (AC) electricity supply systems fundamentally changed the world, making modern power grids possible. From remote controls to fluorescent lights, his contributions are so foundational that it's hard to imagine life without them. It's the kind of achievement that makes everyone, regardless of background, want to claim a little bit of credit. Alas, we can't.