Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling continued her recent campaign to reveal new information about characters in the series on Tuesday by revealing that yes, at least one Hogwarts student was Jewish.
Rowling revealed the tidbit during a question-and-answer session on Twitter on Tuesday. Fan Benjamin Roffman asked Rowling if there were any Jews like himself at the school of witchcraft and wizardry.
"@jk_rowling my wife said there are no Jews at Hogwarts. I'm a Jew so I assume she said it to be the only magical 1 in the family. Thoughts?"
Indeed there is at least one Jew at the school.
"@benjaminroffman Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw, Jewish wizard," she replied.
.@benjaminroffman Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw, Jewish wizard.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 16, 2014
Happy Hanukkah, Anthony Goldstein!
According to Harry Potter Wiki, Anthony was in the same year as Harry, and pals Ron and Hermoine, but was sorted into the Ravenclaw house. He was also part of Dumbledore's Army during the crew's fifth year.
The wiki indicates Anthony's surname, Goldstein, "is a relatively common Jewish surname, which is a possible indication of Jewish heritage." Looks like Rowling cleared that up.
Tuesday's reveal prompted Rowling to address other fans curious if their own religion was represented at the school.
"To everyone asking whether their religion/belief/non-belief system is represented at Hogwarts: the only people I never imagined there are Wiccans," she added.
To everyone asking whether their religion/belief/non-belief system is represented at Hogwarts: the only people I never imagined there 1/2— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 16, 2014
are Wiccans.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 16, 2014
The news falls on the first day of Hanukkah -- great timing -- and one day after the author revealed she most regretted killing off the character of Florean Fortesque.
Source: UPI