When Meggie Kwait won big on a recent episode of Jeopardy, there were a few hints that the bubbly New York City teacher was Jewish. There was the wager she placed in the semifinal round – $18 – and the gauzy scarf covering her hair.
The $18 Meggie bet reflected the importance of the number 18 in Jewish thought: Hebrew letters can be used to express numerical values, and the Hebrew word chai (life) has a value of 18. Some Jews choose to donate to charity or to give monetary gifts in multiples of 18 as a way to wish people a long life.
“By my semifinal game, I’d built up a substantial lead,” Meggie explained in a recent Aish.com interview; “so long as I didn’t do something silly like bet all my money (and lose), I knew I would go to the finals…. I didn’t want to wager nothing, so I decided to give a nod and wink to all the Jewish viewers who were watching and bet chai." Meggie lost that particular round but went on to the finals and eventually won $50,000 on Jeopardy's special teacher’s tournament.
Some Jewish viewers might have already recognized Meggie as a religiously observant Jew for another reason: the scarf she routinely wears in her hair, like many married Jewish women. “I do cover my hair” she explains: “I wear something on my head every day in public.”
Both Meggie and her husband Derek have had religious journeys that brought them to this point in their lives as observant Jews. Derek grew up in a largely secular Jewish home and became more observant as an adult. Today he regularly wears a kippah. For Meggie, her path to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle was more circuitous.
She grew up in a non-Jewish family in northern California and felt drawn to Judaism since she was very young. Her mother jokes that Meggie came home from preschool one day and announced she wanted to be Jewish. Her interest deepened as she grew older. By the time she got to college, she knew she was ready to learn more and started frequenting Hillel and learning all she could about living a Jewish life.
Meggie initially converted to Judaism when she was still in her teens, then had a second Orthodox conversion later as an adult. Years later, after Meggie and Derek met at a Shemini Atzeret holiday lunch, Meggie knew that she wanted to cover her hair as a married woman. “We talked about covering before we got married,” she recalls. “He said it’s up to me – it’s my mitzvah, however I want to fulfill it, it’s fine by him. I also like the fact that it isn't only the man who is readily identifiable as a Jew.”
“It’s a meaningful but sometimes challenging mitzvah for me – it’s really public.”
“I don’t remember watching Jeopardy growing up,” Meggie recalls. Derek suggested they watch it together and was impressed at the way Meggie could answer so many of the questions. He suggested that she try out for the show. Meggie took an online quiz, then was invited to Boston to play a practice game. A year later, she received a phone call asking her to participate in a special teacher’s tournament.
The show wanted to fly her out on a Saturday; after Meggie explained that she couldn’t fly on Shabbat, they agreed to let her come in on Sunday. She wondered if they would mind that she planned to appear on national television with a scarf on her head, and they said that was okay too. They’d had religiously observant Jews on the show before, and were happy to accommodate her requests.
Meggie says appearing on the show was a wonderful experience. She bonded with the other teacher contestants and they still keep in touch. Filming concluded in March 2020, just before coronavirus closed down much of the US, including the Jewish day school where Meggie works. Having virtual meetings with the friends she made on Jeopardy each week has helped her cope with the stresses of teaching online.
Since the show aired, Meggie has had lots of feedback about her overtly Jewish appearance, both encouraging and insulting. Some people made nasty comments online about the scarf she wore in her hair. “People can be cruel on the internet,” she observes, recalling one poster called her hair-covering "a rag”. At times, Meggie added to online discussions, explaining that covering her hair is a mitzvah and is very important to her. “I think it’s nice when you get to explain why your dress says something about your values in life,” she notes.
Other people stuck up for her in online discussions, writing that they liked Meggie’s scarf and that it fit her overall style, and defending her sense of fashion. And many have reached out to her, telling her how good it felt to see a religious Jewish woman on tv.
One viewer wrote to Meggie that they watched the show with their father, who is a Holocaust survivor, and he was so happy to see a Jewish woman come in second place in the tournament. Another viewer contacted Meggie to tell her how much they loved being Jewish and how great it felt to see a fellow Jew on television. Others told her that they felt that she was representing them as a Jew. “That’s been really special,” she explains.
“I always think back to when I was in college and my rabbi said it was really important to him to be gracious and generous because he walks around wearing a kippah,” Meggie recalls. He was a lovely man who often helped others, and she feels that people who saw him often thought “he’s a positive light in the world, and it must be his Judaism that informs his positive actions…” Today Meggie finds herself in a similar position. With her very identifiably Jewish appearance, she realizes she might be the only religious Jewish woman some people will ever interact with. "That’s a privilege and a serious responsibility and something I try to live up to.”
(25) Stanley katz, July 1, 2020 3:03 PM
Special very special....but
Not the first . in 1962-63 on college bowl Yeshiva university competed. Among the participants was Rebetzin Yungreis. I believe the won multiple weeks
(24) Frani Pallas, June 29, 2020 10:37 PM
I have been drawn back to my Jewish roots since losing my husband.
I have had a very complicated life and through it runs the thread of my distinct respect of my religion. I miss the synagogue although I have never lived a truly authodox life. My parents never opened their business' on Friday afternoon or Saturday and yet we didn't go to Shul. We did have a real Friday night at home and the candles were always lit by my late MaMa and we cut the Challah and blessed both the bread and wine. The cut off from Friday night to Saturday was something I never thought about it, or never noticed what had occurred until I became an adult. We didn't really observe the way we should have. I think I am not alone as I was brought up , because I was born six months after the outbreak of WW2. The fear of what could happen to the whole family was something which my Ma and Pa carried alone, never displaying anything which could have passed that fear to me or my siblings.
I now wonder if this was to lean towards assimilation in order to protect us from the anti-semitism which they felt and observed but didn't want me, the youngest of four, to have to bear or even, try to, understand. Keeping me a happy child as long as possible. I would be very interested to hear from other members of Aish who were growing up around the same time as I did?
(23) Sanford Horn, June 25, 2020 2:11 PM
Mazal Tov Meggie
Mazal Tov to Meggie, for placing well in the tournament - I have been a Jeopardy fan for decades. She represented herself and her people with class - no pun intended - and grace. We need more Meggies.
(22) Carol, June 22, 2020 2:11 AM
Headline is misleading - her hair was already covered.
Grammar check.
(21) Hanna Zehnwirth, June 21, 2020 2:49 PM
It was a pleasure to see such a bright lovely person of the Jewish faith proudly show how educated she was I loved watching her with her big smile
(20) SandrSaSandra Foster - ChalfinSandra Foster-ChalfinSandra Foster-Chalfin, June 20, 2020 3:50 PM
She was awesome!!
Meggie was so vivacious and pleasant. I was thrilled along with so many other viewers, to see this lady dressed the way she did. I, too, am of the Jewish faith and observe my Shabbat and Jewish holidays. No I don't wear a hair covering though I would if necessary; however, she makes me very happy to see and listen to this amazing lady (that's in the fullest sense of the word) speak honestly and make so many other women proud of their Jewish heritage.
(19) Deacon Chuck Tweddell, June 20, 2020 12:53 AM
I wish we could see more religious Jews on TV.
I have known a few Jews in my life and been friends with them! I wish more Christians would recognize they are our older brothers in faith and we need each other to be complete in our belief in one true God who loves all people! She is a special Lady!
(18) Herb Z., June 19, 2020 5:16 PM
It was a breath of fresh air to see a wonderful person win on Jeopardy with grace and a sense of humor. Being religious and the headscarf was wonderful. Mazel Tov on being independent and who you are.
(17) Diane Wilson, June 19, 2020 2:12 PM
Thankful for article
I was wondering about scarf. Thought about Jewish...noticed the 18 as a wager. Did not know of the significance. Now I have ideas of giving in multiples of 18. I have Jewish history ..am ever looking and learning. My drive to my... then not knowing my history..towards my Jewishness started in middle school. It has been a driving force in my life. She is a blessed woman of G-D. Thanks for the article and I am thankful for her ability to be on Jeopardy. May G-D be praised
(16) Regina, June 19, 2020 9:22 AM
Hazak U'Barukh - an inspiration to us all!
Yasher Koach, Meggie!
You make us all PROUD, PROUD, PROUD!!!
At a time when it has become even more dangerous to be obviously Jewish, you stand out as an inspiring role model for us to be JEWISH OUT LOUD!
Wishing everyone a beautiful, healthy, peaceful Shabbos...
AM YISROEL CHAI! - Regina
(15) Ricki caspe, June 19, 2020 12:39 AM
Leggier on Jeopardy
I’m sorry I didn’t see the episode that Meggie was appearing. Her reason for wearing a cover on her head, was very Spiritual. I loved her story. Thank you?
(14) Doris Feinstein, June 18, 2020 10:49 PM
So proud of you
I have had the great honor to teachhundreds of converts from literally all around the world for over 40 years. Be very proud Meggie who you have become You bring honor and prideto us all. You are a beautiful Jewish woman Much bracha to you
(13) AMB, June 18, 2020 9:23 PM
Not the first
She's not the first. The wife of the previous of my previous shul was on Jeopardy about 5 years ago and she wore a large hat and Alex made a point of pointing it out as a religious head covering. A friend of mine was also on Jeopardy about 10 years ago. She wore her sheitel so it wasn't as obvious, but still there.
(12) renah bell, June 18, 2020 5:31 PM
interesting and well written
I've been enjoying the articles that I've seen written by you lately. Lately I've seen many of them but my first contact with you was hunting for your book about Shabbos. Finally I found one of the very few copies available and was able to present it to my grandson and his new wife. Thank you for being out there with your very enjoyable writing.
(11) Marsha, June 18, 2020 5:15 PM
Kol hakavod
I watched the show and wondered about the scarf until she made that $18 bet, and then mentioned her school, Beit Rabban (or was it Ramban?) She was a bubbly contestant and enjoyable to watch. You done good, Meggie. We’re proud of you!
(10) Ken Blashka, June 18, 2020 4:37 PM
Religious head coverings on Jeopardy
In early Jeopardy history (1972) I wore a large white Kippah (handmade by my wife for our wedding which took place a month before the Jeopardy shows)while on Jeopardy (3 shows losing in #3). Nobody commented though I was the first to wear a Kippah on the show. Back then the shows were taped in Rockefeller center in New York City.
(9) Nikki, June 18, 2020 4:10 PM
Me, too!
I am a Jew living in the South, although I was born in Brooklyn and grew up on LI. I wear my star everywhere. I get a lot of questions and comments, not all positive. I try not to get angry at some of the comments. I just try to tell people that being different is a learning experience and we should agree to disagree and learn from each other.
(8) Rachel frankrac, June 18, 2020 3:32 PM
I loved watching you.lived the hair covering.
You are smart and pretty a pleasure to watch and represent the jewish women. Good luck in tour future. הצלחה בחיים means success in life ?
(7) lar, June 18, 2020 3:32 PM
I sense a cover up...
on the other hand, it's a revealing declaration to exhibit modesty
and fulfillment of being a traditional Jew. No 'hair' today,
not gone tomorrow.
(6) Reuven Frank, June 18, 2020 2:46 PM
Kiddush HaShem
Thank you for calling attention to this Kiddush HaShem!
Blessings to both Meggie for making it and to Dr. Miller for bringing it to us!
(5) Donna Hicks, June 18, 2020 2:37 PM
Lovely!
Honoring your personal faith, as well as the faith of the women who have gone before you, is always appropriate, especially when backed up by such a lovely and kind personality as this beautiful woman has. Blessings to Mrs. Meggie and her family!
(4) Dennis Laibson, June 18, 2020 1:58 PM
Epitome of a proud Jew
When one hears the pride and commitment from a fellow Jew; it helps provide hope that the mores and customs of the faith will continue ad infinitum; regardless of the abject anti-Semitism that is seemingly being fostered in the world and even, somewhat surprisingly, in the US by the increasingly ignorant Millennials and various splinter groups: BLM, Antifa, et al who help foster the truly ignorant notion that Jews are negative influence in the world!
(3) Anonymous, June 18, 2020 1:58 PM
Another Orthodox Jew on Jeopardy
A friend of mine, an Orthodox Jew did was on Jeopardy in the 90’s. She too, came in second. In those days, no cash earnings were given, only prizes. Her complaint was that she knew most of the answers, but, the buzzers were extremely slow.
(2) Jill Allerton, June 18, 2020 1:49 PM
Meggie on Jeopardy
I had not seen this show, but I was so excited to read about this. God bless her. I remember I wanted to be Jewish also. I am Christian, but I have a special place in my heart for the Jewish people.
(1) MESA, June 17, 2020 2:53 PM
As a Torah-Observant Jew, I think Meggie made a Kiddush Hashem. As a wardrobe stylist, I think she looked healthy & creative & fun. Jeopardy is my favorite game show & I’mso glad I didn’t miss this.