Rahm Emanuel

Rahm Emanuel’s Jewish bona fides are impeccable. His father was a Haganah fighter, and Rahm himself volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces during the Persian Gulf War, helping to repair trucks on a base in northern Israel. His Hebrew first name means "sublime" or "lofty." And there's the whole "Emanuel" thing, which is about as subtle as a shofar blast.

Emanuel's political career has been marked by a certain... intensity. As one of President Obama's closest advisors, he earned the nickname "Rahmbo" for his aggressive tactics. This came as no surprise to anyone who followed his tenure as mayor of Chicago, where he was known for his bluntness and his willingness to make unpopular decisions.

Some might kvell at his political achievements, from helping pass Obamacare to leading a major American city. Others might kvetch about his hard-nosed approach or his role in controversies that have plagued Chicago.

But one thing is certain: Rahm Emanuel is a Jew who has never shied away from his heritage. From his support for Israel to his famously colorful language, he's a politician who wears his identity on his sleeve. Mazel Tov?