Agatha All Along and Bar Mitzvah
As I was watching Disney’s Agatha All Along with my family, we were hit with something truly unexpected—a bar mitzvah scene. My son, eyes wide, turned to me and said, “That gives me so much pride.” I almost spit out my soda. Pride? From a Marvel show about a witch trying to get her powers back? I didn’t see that coming. But hey, if Wanda Maximoff can bend reality, maybe Marvel can sneak in some Torah while they’re at it.
There it was: William Kaplan, played by Joe Locke, nervously walking through the sanctuary, Torah in hand, getting ready to chant his bar mitzvah portion. And suddenly, this witchcraft-heavy superhero series got a dash of Jewish soul. Who knew that behind all the special effects and CGI, there was some serious thought going into which Torah portion would best represent the story? (Hint: Parshat Shemini—where Aaron’s sons get a little too creative with their sacrifices and, well, let’s just say they’re playing with fire… literally.)
But what makes this scene even better is the story behind it. Marvel didn’t just slap on a yarmulke and call it a day—they actually sought out consultation from real rabbis. Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, a mom of five and Marvel fan (of course), auditioned for the role of “Rabbi” in real life and landed the gig. I mean, who says rabbis can’t moonlight as Marvel consultants, right?
She worked tirelessly with Joe Locke, who—let’s face it—is not exactly the most natural at reciting Torah blessings, but he was a mensch about the whole thing. They practiced over Zoom, like the Jewish superhero training camp no one knew they needed. Joe was determined to get it right, asking, “Is this okay? Will anyone be insulted by this?” (Honestly, if a Marvel character reading from the Torah offends you, maybe there are bigger issues at hand.)
The scene itself? Filmed at Temple Kol Emeth in Atlanta, it took two days to get the perfect 77-second moment on screen. That’s right—two days. Meanwhile, most bar mitzvahs wrap up in two hours, but Marvel doesn’t do quick and easy, do they? Rabbi Shuval-Weiner spent an hour just getting the congregational response to “Barchu et Adonai hamevorach” down, because, as any bar mitzvah attendee will tell you, the people in the pews are the real stars of the show.
By the time the episode aired, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner was too busy shaking a lulav for Sukkot to catch it live. But that didn’t stop her phone from blowing up with excited texts: “OMG, Rabbi, you’re on Marvel!” Yep, that’s the kind of fame they don’t teach you about in rabbinical school. She’s even eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild now, though she’s not ready to leave her congregation for Hollywood just yet.
But here’s the thing—this wasn’t just a cool Marvel cameo. It was something deeper. In a time when antisemitism seems to be everywhere, a scene like this gives us a little hope. It’s a reminder that, even in the most unexpected places, our Jewish traditions and stories can shine through. Sure, it’s a Marvel show about witches, but seeing a bar mitzvah—performed with respect and authenticity—on a global platform sends a powerful message. We’re still here. Our traditions are still here. And in a world that often feels a bit hostile, that’s something to celebrate.
So, whether you’re tuning in for the superhero action or just hoping to spot your rabbi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this scene hit home. It’s not just representation—it’s a moment that reminds us of our resilience. And honestly, if a bar mitzvah kid can stand tall in the middle of a witchcraft-heavy storyline, there’s hope for all of us. Who knows—maybe this will even get a few more kids excited about Torah study. After all, if it’s good enough for Marvel, it’s good enough for us.
Now, if only we could get Agatha to make the hora a little more exciting…