While Israel is commonly called the Jewish State, many residents of the country are not followers of the faith. And among the Jews who call Israel home, a significant percentage are not shomer Shabbos or strictly observant.

So, when a story appeared on CNN two days before the international launch of the seventh and final book of the popular Harry Potter series,Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I was surprised to see that the news report was about Israel, an obviously miniscule market (considering the many millions of books sold across the globe). But what was striking and what brought the matter to the attention of mass media was the opposing and passionate appeals of rabbis and readers regarding the possibility of shopkeepers opening their doors on Shabbos to sell the new book.

Apparently, many store owners decided to join the worldwide community and went ahead with planned Potter events on Shabbos, starting at 2 am, the official release time. And many are being fined for

breaking the law. No doubt, it doesn’t take a wizard to realize that the conflict between religious and secular interests in Israel is not going to disappear into thin air.
For more about the Israeli release of the new Harry Potter book, go to
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/884422.html

Free Kosher Hotels Jewish Links Kosher Recipes Tallit Tallis Shuls Kosher Gifts Talis Kosher Camps Yemenite Enlightenment Hanukkah Reform Chanukah jews Purim Talis Bag Jewish World News Bat Mitzvah Orthodox Communities And Synagogues Jewish Politics Benchers Beth Din Government Jewish Women Yarmulka Rosh Hashanah Artscrolls Monorah Torah Tallis Bag Shofar Israel Talmud Menorahs Antisemitism Torah Cover Chanukkah Sukkot Artscroll Jewish Camps Ask the Rabbi Kosher Guide Talit Rabbi Jewish Social Passover Star Of David