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Crucial Update

Every Time Harry Styles Proved He Knows More About Judaism Than Most Nice Jewish Boys

By Eileen Sutton

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Adam Levine. Adam Brody. Drake. When a scruffy celeb reveals an ounce of Jewish blood, the world rumbles and Jewish girls everywhere double check that their first-choice venue is available for a warm day in early June. Harry Styles, master of small talk with princesses and hair conditioning, also boasts an extensive knowledge of all things Jewish. Styles, who is not actually Jewish and doesn't plan on converting, took interest in the Hebrew language and Jewish holidays after getting to know Ben Winston, who has directed and produced many One Direction music videos. Tonight, on the first of eight nights of Hanukkah, we celebrate the times Harry Styles has exhibited more knowledge of the Jewish faith than most nice Jewish boys from your high school.

Let's begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Just as Jews everywhere were getting ready to dip apples in honey and start year 5775 off on a massive sugar high, Harry saluted his Twitter followers, wishing them well during the most important Jewish holiday.


Although it's often noted that cutting down before Yom Kippur makes for an easier fast, Styles knows that what we're really doing is loading up on blintzes, kugel, and bagels.

Even years ago, Harry displayed knowledge of the phrase, "g'mar chatimah tova," which means "finished with a good seal," symbolic of an end-of-year grading.

In 2013, Harry was taken by the delicious fried foods that come with an oil shortage turned holiday called Hannukah.

By 2014, Harry does not simply spin a plastic dreidel like the ones handed out at Jewish preschools; he opts for one that must be polished. It's the kind of dreidel you keep year after year and build memories with. Harry even searches for oil, implying knowledge of the Hanukkah tale, where Maccabees must forage for uncontaminated fuel to keep their Menorah's fire alive for eight nights, even if the jug only had sustenance for one.

Styles has got the Purim traditions on lock. In just 140 characters, he mentions three customs typically performed during the joyous holiday. It is a mitzvah to take part in a celebratory meal called a seudah, it is also crucial to listen to the reading of the Megillat Esther, and many even make harsh noises when the name of Hamman (an enemy circa 3400 B.C.) is read aloud.

Not only does Harry attend a seder, he sings ma'nish ta'na, the tune typically recited by the youngest person at the table. He also prefers shmura matza, which is the more intense choice, where ingredients are carefully watched from the moment of harvest.

A fan of the Jewish day of rest, Styles celebrated with a customized baby blue Kippah, which he later wore to a kosher restaurant in New York City.

Styles even congratulates in the most Jewish way possible, wishing music video director Ben Winston "Mazel Tov!" after his VMA win. The triumph fills Harry with nachas, the Yiddish word for pride.

Harry Styles, you're quite the mench!

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