Since the day The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City premiered, the franchise has been a melting pot of religions. At the time, the cast consisted of a Muslim, Christian, Jew, and Mormon housewife. The blend of cultures was pretty extraordinary when fans stopped to think about it. The Utah-based franchise was, as far as I know, the first of its kind to showcase women from all different religious backgrounds. And it went a step further as each star proudly talked about their heritage. So when Meredith Marks announced she would be getting her bat mitzvah on national TV, it just made sense.
Mazel, Meredith Marks!
This week’s all-new episode of RHOSLC showcased Meredith’s hard work and journey to finally participating in a classic Jewish coming-of-age ritual. Growing up in a dual-religious household (Catholic and Jewish), it warmed my heart to see Mer and her family come together for the event. There were personalized yamakas embroidered with her name, and many proud friends and family there, including her son Reid, to witness Meredith sleighing in her horse and carriage entrance. But the grand entrance was just the start.
Meredith made sure to embrace her religion to show viewers it was okay to be proud to be Jewish. Even though the mother of three was nervous, she beautifully chanted her portion of the Torah, and dare I say, her voice was sweet. Even though the 52-year-old chose to have a late-in-life bat mitzvah, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
For the Bravo star, the ceremony was “something I decided to do as an adult to affirm my faith.” The group gathered outside for espresso martinis and canapes, but once they moved inside, the ceremony stole the show.
Meredith Marks’s bat mitzvah was a family affair
The banquet hall was decorated with white chairs and a simple stage that showcased the Torah. The attention to detail and ceremony was moving. Meredith told the cameras, “This is very special for me, most people do this when they’re very young. And this is something I decided to do as an adult to affirm my faith, to affirm my spirituality and my heritage.”
Earlier in the season, Mer announced her intentions with her husband, Seth Marks, supporting her every step of the way. Gone are the days of their marriage issues as Seth teared up a little. For Mer, partaking in a bat mitzvah was a way to be confidently Jewish amid rising antisemitism.
This notion alone brought me joy and respect for Mer. Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, a well-known contributor to Kveller, a Jewish parenting site, officiated the ceremony. She reminded me of a rabbi I grew up with who was always positive and often taught me hidden lessons. She was there to comfort my family when we lost our Bubbie.
The bat mitzvah began with Meredith wearing Seth’s tallit, the same one he wore all those years ago at his own bar mitzvah. I couldn’t help but laugh at the women who thought Meredith had painstakingly picked out one that matched her outfit.
There were little meanings everywhere in Meredith Marks’ ceremony
The Jewish ritual prayer shawl was far from a designer dud, but it meant much more to the couple, as it represented a spiritual connection. Meredith began to leyn (read in Yiddish) her Torah portion, telling Real Housewives of Salt Lake City viewers, “Being able to read from the Torah, which is the highest honor in the Jewish faith, is so meaningful to me. It’s a very intense moment.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Lisa Barlow started to wipe tears away. What really moved me was the Vida Tequila creator’s take on Mer’s big day. Lisa noted, “Being Jewish by heritage, I love the Jewish faith. I’m lucky that that’s a part of me, and I think it’s really important to remember your heritage and where you came from.”
I enjoyed seeing Seth and the rest of the Marks family participate in supporting their loved one. The father of three took part in the hagbah, which is when you raise the Torah so the congregation can get a glimpse. The lady of the hour then gave a moving speech, leaving me wishing the world could figure out a way to get along.
Mer once again explained why she chose to affirm her Jewish faith and shared that if different religions could come together, they could combat the hate going on. I appreciated Mer being able to show a meaningful representation of Judaism on TV. This is what makes her an outstanding OG. L’chaim, Meredith!
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF MEREDITH’S BAT MITZVAH ON RHOSLC?
