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J.K. Rowling’s Hanukkah Gift to the Jews

On Twitter, Harry Potter author reveals a Jewish wizard at Hogwarts

by
Yair Rosenberg
December 16, 2014
alexsvirid / Shutterstock.com
alexsvirid / Shutterstock.com
alexsvirid / Shutterstock.com
alexsvirid / Shutterstock.com

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah, and Jews around the world have already received their first gift. Celebrated Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, in a rare tweet today in response to a fan’s query, revealed the presence of a Hebrew at Hogwarts.

.@benjaminroffman Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw, Jewish wizard.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 16, 2014

Astute readers have long noted Jewish themes in the Harry Potter series, but this is the first confirmed sighting of an actual Jew in the wizarding world. No word yet from Rowling whether Hogwarts offers any alternative programming over the Christmas holidays for its Jewish students–or if it has a kosher meal plan–but we will keep you posted.

(Hat-tip to Harvard’s Yoni Appelbaum.)

Yair Rosenberg is a senior writer at Tablet. Subscribe to his newsletter, listen to his music, and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.