250 years: Since the beginning, part of the American journey

The story of America is also the story of the communities that helped build it. For more than two centuries, Jewish Americans have contributed to the nation’s civic life, culture, science, commerce and public service. These Pittsburgh-connected individuals and families represent a small sample of the many Jewish Americans whose work helped shape both our city and our country. Their contributions are highlighted on the cover of this week’s Chronicle, which I designed.

Josiah Cohen (1840–1930) – Civic leadership
Attorney, judge, Civil War veteran and community leader, Josiah Cohen was one of the most respected Jewish public figures in 19th-century Pittsburgh. He helped strengthen both the city’s civic institutions and its growing Jewish community.

Barney Dreyfuss (1865–1932) – Baseball
Owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Barney Dreyfuss, helped transform professional baseball. He played a key role in creating the modern World Series and helped establish many of the standards that shaped America’s national pastime.

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Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) – Literature and art
Born in Allegheny City, now Pittsburgh’s North Side, Gertrude Stein became one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century. Her famous phrase “A rose is a rose is a rose” remains one of the best known lines in American literature. She also championed groundbreaking modern artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

Otto Stern (1888–1969) – Science
Nobel Prize-winning physicist Otto Stern taught at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) from 1923 to 1933. His pioneering experiments revealed fundamental properties of atoms and particles and helped advance modern physics.

George S. Kaufman (1889–1961) – Theater
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, director and producer George S. Kaufman was one of the most influential figures in American theater. His works, including “Of Thee I Sing” (1931), helped define Broadway during the 20th century.

Joseph Slepian (1891–1969) – Innovation
A prolific inventor and electrical engineer at Westinghouse, Joseph Slepian earned more than 400 patents. His innovations in electrical power systems, lightning protection and industrial technology helped modernize American industry.

Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof (1892–1990) – Reform Judaism
For decades, Rabbi Solomon Freehof served Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh and became one of the most influential voices in Reform Judaism. His scholarship and leadership helped shape modern Jewish religious practice throughout North America.

Jonas Salk (1914–1995) – Medicine
Working at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Jonas Salk developed the first successful polio vaccine. His breakthrough protected millions of children around the world and remains one of the greatest achievements in modern medicine.

Sophie Masloff (1917–2014) – Politics
Known affectionately as “Mayor Sophie,” Sophie Masloff became Pittsburgh’s first female mayor, serving from 1988 to 1994. Her dedication to public service made her one of the city’s most beloved political leaders.

The Kaufmann Family – Commerce an community building
Through Kaufmann’s Department Store, the Kaufmann family helped shape Pittsburgh’s commercial life for generations. Their philanthropy supported institutions such as the Irene Kaufmann Settlement, Emma Kaufmann Camp and organizations that later became part of today’s Jewish Community Center, leaving a lasting legacy of community service and civic engagement.

A shared legacy

From medicine and science to sports, literature, religion, business and public service, these Pittsburghers reflect the many ways Jewish Americans have contributed to the nation’s growth and success. Their achievements remind us that the American story has always been enriched by people of diverse backgrounds working to build stronger communities and a better future. PJC

Yafa Negrete is an artist who lives in Pittsburgh.