Rachel Lemel is widely known as the mother of Dorit Kemsley, the fashion designer and star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Born Rachel Benchetrit in Tangier, Morocco, she is Jewish and is married to Shalom Lemel, who is from Israel. Together, they raised Dorit in Woodbridge, Connecticut.
Fans of RHOBH often wonder where Dorit’s famous accent comes from. Part of the answer leads straight to her parents, and especially to her mother, Rachel. Her story connects Morocco, Israel, and small-town Connecticut.
This article looks at what is truly known about Rachel, her family, her heritage, and the daughter she raised. Every part is written in simple words so anyone can read and enjoy it.
Quick Facts: Rachel Lemel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Rachel Lemel |
| Maiden Name | Rachel Benchetrit |
| Known For | Mother of Dorit Kemsley |
| Birthplace | Tangier, Morocco |
| Heritage | Jewish |
| Husband | Shalom Lemel (from Israel) |
| Daughter | Dorit Kemsley, born July 14, 1976 |
| Family Home | Woodbridge, Connecticut |
| Grandchildren | Jagger and Phoenix Kemsley |
| Birth Date | Not publicly confirmed |
| Career | Not publicly confirmed |
| Public Life | Private |
Who Is Rachel Lemel?
Rachel Lemel is the mother of Dorit Kemsley, one of the best-known faces on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
She was born Rachel Benchetrit in Tangier, Morocco. She later married Shalom Lemel, who comes from Israel. Both Rachel and Shalom are Jewish.
The couple built their family in the United States. Their daughter Dorit was born and raised in Woodbridge, Connecticut.
Rachel has never chased fame. Still, she appears from time to time in her daughter’s social media posts, giving fans a small look at the family behind the star.
Rachel Lemel’s Roots in Tangier, Morocco
Rachel’s story begins in Tangier, a port city in northern Morocco. Dorit’s Bravo cast bio confirms that her mother comes from Tangier.
Tangier sits near the Strait of Gibraltar, where Africa meets Europe. For centuries, it has been a meeting point of many cultures and languages.
That mix of cultures helps explain the worldly feel of the Lemel family. Rachel carried those roots with her when she later built a life in America.
Her maiden name, Benchetrit, also ties her to the Jewish community of Morocco.
Rachel Lemel’s Jewish Heritage
Rachel and her husband, Shalom, are both Jewish. Faith and heritage became an important part of their family life.
Dorit has spoken about learning Hebrew as a teenager. That shows how the family kept close ties to its Jewish and Israeli roots, even while living in Connecticut.
For many immigrant families, passing on language and tradition is a way to keep home alive. Rachel and Shalom seem to have done exactly that.
Their daughter grew up American, but with a strong sense of where her parents came from.
Rachel Lemel and Shalom Lemel’s Marriage
Rachel is married to Shalom Lemel, who is from Israel. Their marriage joined two Jewish backgrounds: one Moroccan and one Israeli.
The couple eventually settled in Connecticut, where they raised their family.
Their bond still looks strong today. In June 2025, Dorit shared photos from her mother’s birthday celebration, including a sweet moment of her parents sharing a kiss.
You can read more about Rachel’s husband in our full profile of Shalom Lemel.
Raising Dorit in Woodbridge, Connecticut
Rachel and Shalom’s daughter, Dorit Lemel, was born on July 14, 1976, in Woodbridge, Connecticut.
Woodbridge is a quiet town near New Haven. Dorit attended Amity Regional High School there.
She later graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in marketing, design, and communication. Then she moved to Italy to spend time at the University of Florence.
Rachel raised a daughter who was curious about the world. That curiosity would shape Dorit’s whole career.
How Rachel Lemel Shaped Dorit’s Famous Accent
When Dorit joined RHOBH in 2016, many viewers were puzzled by her accent. Some even wondered if she was British.
In a 2017 interview with Bravo’s The Daily Dish, Dorit explained the mix. She said, “My parents are not American,” even though she was born and raised in America.
Rachel’s Moroccan roots and Shalom’s Israeli roots meant Dorit grew up hearing different languages and ways of speaking at home.
Add to that her years living in Italy and her marriage to an Englishman, and her unique accent starts to make sense.
Dorit’s Life Abroad and Career
After college, Dorit spent about 10 years in Italy, working in marketing and sales for a global swimwear company.
She then returned to the United States and launched her own swimwear label, Dorit International, in 2009, based in New York City.
In 2017, she started Beverly Beach by Dorit, which officially launched in March 2018. In 2021, she released a bridal line with Australian brand Nektaria.
Rachel’s daughter turned an international upbringing into a career in fashion.
Rachel Lemel’s Daughter on Reality TV
Dorit joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as a main cast member in 2016, during the show’s seventh season.
She has appeared in more than 190 episodes, making her one of the show’s longest-running stars.
Through the show, millions of viewers got to know Dorit’s style, humor, and strong opinions. Rachel’s name also became better known as fans learned about Dorit’s family.
In June 2026, Dorit released a memoir titled Unburdened: Moving On, Letting Go & Putting It All on the Table.
Rachel Lemel’s Son-in-Law and Grandchildren
Dorit married English property developer Paul “PK” Kemsley on March 7, 2015, at the Rainbow Room in New York City. Singer Boy George, a friend of the couple, performed.
Dorit and PK have two children, a son named Jagger and a daughter named Phoenix. That makes Rachel a proud grandmother of two.
In May 2024, Dorit and PK announced their separation. In April 2025, Dorit filed for divorce.
Through these changes, Rachel and Shalom have remained a steady presence in their grandchildren’s lives.
A Grandmother’s Birthday to Remember
In June 2025, Dorit shared a rare look at her mother’s birthday on Instagram. The small dinner brought together three generations.
Rachel’s husband, Shalom, was there, along with her grandchildren Jagger, then 11, and Phoenix, then 9.
According to Bravo, the kids gave heartfelt speeches for their grandmother. Dorit also posted photos of Rachel and Shalom sharing a kiss.
The moment showed a warm, close family, far from the drama that often fills reality TV.
Rachel Lemel and the 2021 Home Robbery
In October 2021, Dorit lived through a terrifying night. While she was home alone with Jagger and Phoenix in Encino, three masked men broke in and threatened her at gunpoint.
They stole handbags, jewelry, and watches worth about $1 million. No arrests were ever made.
Moments like that are hard on any family. For Rachel, it meant knowing her daughter and grandchildren had faced real danger.
Dorit later spoke about the fear she felt that night, and the family pulled together in the aftermath.
Why Rachel Lemel Stays Out of the Spotlight
A common question is simple. Why is Rachel so rarely seen on camera?
Her daughter has been on reality TV for years, where family members often become part of the story. Yet Rachel has kept a low profile.
She appears mostly through Dorit’s personal posts, not through interviews or TV episodes.
That balance seems natural for her. She supports her daughter while keeping her own life private.
Rachel Lemel’s Life Today
Very little is confirmed about Rachel’s daily life today. No trusted source shares her age, her career, or where she lives now.
What is clear is that she remains close to her family. Her 2025 birthday dinner showed a loving marriage and a strong bond with her grandchildren.
Her journey from Tangier to Connecticut shaped a family that blends cultures, languages, and traditions.
Her story lives on through Dorit, Jagger, and Phoenix.
Final Thoughts
Rachel Lemel’s story is a reminder that every famous personality has roots that run far deeper than what we see on screen. Behind a reality star’s accent and style is a mother who carried her history across continents.
Immigrant parents often give their children something money cannot buy: a wider view of the world. Rachel and Shalom gave their daughter a home where many cultures met.
Sometimes the quietest people in a story have shaped it the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Rachel Lemel?
Rachel Lemel is the mother of RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley. She was born Rachel Benchetrit in Tangier, Morocco, and is married to Shalom Lemel.
Where is Dorit Kemsley’s mother from?
Dorit Kemsley’s mother, Rachel Lemel, is from Tangier, Morocco. Her father, Shalom Lemel, is from Israel.
Is Rachel Lemel Jewish?
Yes. Both Rachel and her husband, Shalom Lemel, are Jewish.
Why does Dorit Kemsley have an accent?
Dorit has said her parents are not American. Her mother is from Morocco and her father is from Israel. Her years in Italy and her marriage to an Englishman also shaped her accent.
How many grandchildren does Rachel Lemel have?
Rachel has two grandchildren through Dorit: a grandson, Jagger, and a granddaughter, Phoenix.
You may also read: Who Is Shalom Lemel? The Real Story of Dorit Kemsley’s Father
Want more honest stories about the families behind reality TV’s biggest stars? Keep following The Ripple Magazine for well researched profiles you won’t find anywhere else.
