Frankly, I'm stunned by the intolerance for Jewish religious observances in many of these comments. Thousands of American cities/towns prohibit the selling of alcohol on Sundays. Yet no one here is advocating that that violates fundamental principles of free choice or separation of church and state. So Harry Potter fans in Israel will have to wait an additional 20 hours or so before purchasing the book in Israel. Boo-hoo! Non-English readers will have to wait months for the book to be translated into their native languages. Also, selling/buying the book violates many more principles of Shabbat than the monetary transaction itself (which is Rabbinic in origin), such as carrying the book home, etc.

Matis, New York,

Absurd. All sorts of Jews in the world and in Israel. How dare this guy foist his Orthodox belief on all Jews. Israel was not founded as an orthodox state. It was founded as a place for ALL JEWS. Bring Harry on!

Ruth, Brooklyn,

I don't live in israel, but I'm jewish, too. And though I love shabat and its traditions, I don't think that going to a bookshop for a Harry Potter book "desecrates" the Shabat. I know it's against the Tora... But, shabat is also joy, and 'oneg shabat', and for some of us, reading Harry Potter is part of that shabat joy.
And they could find a solution... why not to pay the book before shabat? and then you'll only have to go for thebook and take it home!
Well, israelis Potter fans, shabat shalom and enjoy the book!

Rachel, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This is ridiculous! Plenty of people have pre-ordered their copies at bookstores, and they should be allowed to pick them up there on Shabbat. As for the workers? They should have the choice whether or not to work.

Sarah, San Francisco,

Although this article portrays the minister as a fanatic, he is doing the right thing for Judaism and for Israel. Eli Yishai, keep up the good work

Ben, Philly, US/PA

Let the employees decide whether they want to work or not, let it be their choice. I hope the world doesn't look at people like this and think all Jews are frustrating like him. I am going to shabbat tonight and getting my Harry Potter book afterwards! In fact, my Rabbi was talking about going as well! Shouldn't he be happy that children are so excited to read? If people want to go - let them go, but charging the bookstores when it is in their SIGNED CONTRACTS that they are REQUIRED to release the books at that time- is plain unfair and downright annoying.

Jessie, Tustin, USA/ CA

First of all, I want to congratulate Eli Yishai on his attempt to preserve Shabbat's importance. I'm Jewish, and every time there is a new book I am forced to pre-order it (as far as I know the UPS people are non-Jews, so I see it like timing the oven) instead of join the celebrations of the midnight buying. This is not a bad thing, as Shabbat is holy, but i still feel annoyed at the publishers for always selling books on Friday nights. What's wrong with Tuesdays? And, because it is the summer, there is no argument for children missing school. In Israel, the holy land I would expect no less than what Yashai is trying to do. Israel is different from the rest of the world, in that there are certain traditions that make it the Jewish state it is. One of the most important of these is the fact that no stores are open on Shabbat, and it creates creates the "restful" atmosphere that makes Shabbat in Israel so much more spiritual than it is back here in the US.

Ben, Philly, US/PA

Definitely a cultural phenomenon, Jay Whitlow called me about this wondering what it was like here in the states. He's traveling in Western Europe. Jay Whitlow says the obsession is not as obvious but it is present. Apparently, Jay Whitlow didn't notice any Sabbath issues there.

Eric Y, wichita, ks

I'm a huge HP fan and am very much not releagous but I can understand if some people are bothered by stores opening on Sabbath it's a Jewish country and we have to respect that . At the end of the day it's just a few more hours think about it we've waited for years and plus if you're a real potter fan you don't want it all to end so take some more time and enjoy the excitment.
Harry has thought me a lot of things and patiance towards people that are diferent than me (and their believs) is one of them. It's infuriating how little Mr Ravitz, knows about the message behind the books.

Mira, Bat Yam, Israel

How about most of you suck it up and whats one more day before you go and buy the book,
you have waited two years to be ablt to find out what happens honestly what would an additional 24 hours do to you,
you critics shood be ashamed of saying such stuff, consider yourselves luky that the whole israeli govermount isnt orthodox, so instead of being appreciative of the govermount for the rights they give you, you decide to bash them.

Jacob Mamane, montreal , Canada

Stop trying to be deep. This is a simple case of religious zealotry infringing upon the rights of free individuals. If some people dont adhere to the overarching religious ideals of the state, why should they have to suffer? By imposing such draconian measures, they are essentially stating that religious doctrine is more important than an individual's freedom.
Im not attacking the religion itself - if people agree with it, then I can respect that. But basing national legislation upon its ideals with a complete disregard for the people's own personal beliefs? Idiocy.

Sociology_Student, London, UK

Oh come on, are humans so like animals? Can't we control ourselves for a couple of hours, especially over a book?
Even the greatest HP fan should understand the value and sense of accomplishment that self control will bring.

chuck, ny, ny

I think that Geoff. has the right idea. While strict observance of the sabbath is important to some, it is nothing short of theocratic oppression to impose the view of a religious minority (or a religious majority, for that matter) on the entire country. Those wishing to strictly observe the sabbath may stay at home (prohibiting, of course, firing employees for refusing to come into work against their religious sensitivities). Give people the freedom to choose.

I'm sure he didn't mean it this way, but Don's comment is an implicit endoresment of the supremacy of the state over the individual. Why should the law be changed for a novel? I'm not sure it should, but I am of the mind that where the law conflicts with human rights (life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and all that, and this story implicates two of them :) !), then it must be changed.

Patrick, Philipsburg, MT

Family values should have some clout, even for those who don't practise the values their parents and/or grandparents.
It's just a book, which will fade with time, Shabbat lasts way longer.
Remember what's important in the long run.

chuck, ny, ny

Just drive to Tel Aviv and buy one. You can do anything there.

Seriously, if you have to desecrate the Sabbath, don't do it in Jerusalem. Every town has its unique laws, and HP fans should be more respectful.

Charlie, Jacksonville, FL

It is important in a democratic society like Israel that freedom of choice be paramount, even ahead of religious views. While no employee should be forced to work on the Sabbath, it is contrary to the freedom inherit in democratic princples to force people not to work if they choose to of their own volition. As an Israeli American, I am concernced that the tensons between secular and religious Jews in Israel has reach a point where they are fighting over Harry Potter. Many business are open in Israel on the Sabbath all year long and, in light of that, it seems the religious leaders are using the popularity of the Harry Potter series to push their views into the spotlight by focusing on these bookstores, many of whom are open every Sabbath irrespective of launch events for new books.

Arik T. Ben-Ari, Philadelphia, PA

I must say, that's a bit ridiculous. The religious ministry should let bookstores do what they want. It's up to the people not to go if they feel that it's a desecration of the Holy Day.

Sali, Jerusalem,

Well I'm not occidental but all I have ti say is that is unacceptable. It's understandable if they are not politicians. How narrow-minded! They should have respected the rights of unorthodoxs and non-religious.

thu, Hanoi, VN

Shabbos comes before anything. . . even Harry Potter

Pesha, Maryland,

This is so wrong,
As an Israeli citizen (bad luck for me eh?)
I feel ashamed, NOT ALL OF US ARE RELIGIOUS.
In fact, at least half of us are not religious at all.

this is nonsense! outrageous! a scandal! (Hagrid :] )
and it annoys me a lot.
70% of this country is not Orthodox!! Just because
the stupid industry minister is, it doesn't mean we
all are..

He's a bit of an idiot, that's what I think.
there's no way he's going to get away with this.

Alex, Eilat, Israel

The employees should be allowed to refuse to go to work on the the Shabbat, but the booksellers should not be banned from opening on any day they like.

Geoffrey, Seattle,

If people want to buy and sell a book they should be free to do so no matter what event may be happening on the day in question and to sue over a book on religious day is just wrong to me it says hey im mad cause they have the guts to sell the book today but i have broken the rules to because im going to sue them today as well.

Mike, Lansing, US/IL

For goodness' sake!

This is Harry Potter 7 - more eagerly awaited than the coming of the Messiah!

I'm sure the bookstores won't be forcing their employees to work - they probably want to be part of the action too.

Frankly, limited trading hours due to religious laws is ridiculous. I would encourage the sweeping away of all of them and advocate a policy of shopkeepers choosing their own times to open/close.

I myself am planning to visit the midnight launch in Deansgate, Manchester.

Tamanna Rahman, Manchester, UK

It's an interesting phenomenon, to say the least: weighing one's religious beliefs against the crushing weight of "what the customer wants." In a country as influenced by its religion as Israel, it would be relatively simple to draw a line in the sand and simply impose sanctions against the retailers who would cross it.

Living in a society which is driven by free-market philosophy, this kind of thinking is almost alien to us. At the same time, however, I have lived in a community in which I faced the ire of my neighbors, most of a conservative religious belief, who wrote me nasty letters for mowing my lawn on the Sabbath, for much the same reasons.

There is no easy solution; however, the retailers who choose to open to sell the book will probably make a mint, given how popular these books are worldwide. That doesn't make it right; it doesn't make it wrong. The market tends to decide on its own whether the right decision has been made.

David, Muskegon, Michigan USA

I agree that preserving the Sabbath is important, and bookstores that believe so, as well, should probably remain closed. However, we have to remember that they are only opening because there will be people there to buy the book! It is classic supply and demand. Should the government fault the bookstore owners for complying with the publics wishes? Why not fine the people who buy it, too, then? After all, it's their fault the stores are opening...

Jessica, Bethlehem, PA, USA

Why should the work hours law be changed for a novel? If local booksellers choose to flout any law for whatever reason they must be prepared for any consequences the authorities may choose to initiate.

Dori, London, UK

Hi, I agree half way on this situation. I do not believe that an intire religion/culture should stop the selling of this book to all those who have already bought it and/or want to by it. It is understandable that religion is a giant part of some cultures, however, times are changing and people shouldn't be like brick walls; unbroken, unmoveable, unchangeable. There should be a happy medium somewhere, perhaps on the lines of letting the stores be open only for a short periode of time like for example 2 hours. After the time limit has expired then all those who were unable to get their copy that day must wait a bit longer...it is a comprimis to something that is very strict and could take the opportunity to learn to bend a bit and accomadate to the needs of the younger generation's needs. I'm not saying change EVERYTHING...just some small things that will only last a short periode. If you think about it, there are no more of those books after this one, so why not let it slide a bit.

rdeg, North Bay, Canada

I remember Sundays in London after WW2 when shops were mainly shut, shop assistants could also have a lie-in, the family got together for a roast lunch and spent time with the children. That starts to become a true sabbath. Add church, meeting and actually talking to friends, few phone calls and little TV, and you get some idea of what Eli Yishai is trying to protect in Israel.

The sabbath is for reading and enjoying Harry Potter rather than selling the book.

Bernard, Netanya, Israel

A clear cultural shock...in our occidental mind it´s meaningless but it had a deeper origin.

Dalia, MEXICO,