Is Harry Potter Jewish? Several articles in prominent Jewish Journals asked the question, exploring Jewish affection of the series. With spells that may sound like blessings, apparent borrowing of rabbinic tales, and even use of last names like "Black," the affection is not surprising. It reads "Jewish." But there are also several historical and social factors allowing for such an extraordinarily positive reaction to the stories. Significantly, there is a amazingly strong correlation with the Jewish mystical kabbalah, magic presumably serving as a symbol of spiritual reality amidst the material world.
This paper will explore some important reasons for Jewish embracing of Harry Potter books, especially exploring how Harry's growth as an individual follows the kabbalistic "tree of life" sefirot system. This comparison will constitute the bulk of discussion especially focusing on the use of happiness, desire, and love. Relating how this ties into to Rowling's updating of the Inklings tradition is a consideration.
Sources for the paper include Rabbi Gershon Winkler, who specializes in Jewish magical traditions (The Magic of the Ordinary), Hebrew Amulet studies (Schire), Kabbalah texts (The Zohar, Sefer Yetzirah, Daniel Matt, Steven Fisdel); John Granger's The Hidden Key to Harry Potter; C.S. Lewis on myth and story; and numerous Jewish journal articles, sermons, and lesson plans based on portions of Harry Potter (" Is Harry Jewish?"; Torah Aura productions; etc.).