Wu Cheng'en

Born around 1500, Wu Cheng'en was a Chinese novelist and poet from Huai'an, Jiangsu province, living during the Ming Dynasty. While historical records about him are scant, he is widely accepted as the author of the epic novel "Journey to the West." This work, a fantastical account of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang's pilgrimage to India, has influenced countless generations and remains a cornerstone of East Asian culture. Given that the pilgrimage was to India, not Jerusalem, his Jewish Identity score struggles to gain traction. Similarly, his Jewish Origin score is also rather, shall we say, minimal. And by minimal, we mean "zero."

"Journey to the West" is a tale of spiritual quest, riddled with demons, gods, and a mischievous Monkey King. It's a sprawling allegory, often interpreted on multiple levels, much like certain ancient texts we could mention. The novel is a masterpiece of world literature, recognized for its rich imagination, humor, and philosophical depth. It's quite an achievement, even if it doesn't involve escaping Egypt or parting seas.

While Wu Cheng'en's personal life remains largely a mystery, his literary legacy is undeniable. He gave the world one of its most beloved stories, ensuring his place in the literary pantheon forever. He may not have brought nachas to any rabbis, but he certainly brought it to millions of readers, though perhaps not enough to push his K-score into the pantheon of true kvell-worthiness, but close enough for a solid four.