Shooting Angers Kabbalah

Madonna Forum

MADONNA'S SHOOTING PARTIES ANGER KABBALAH OFFICIALS

Pop queen Madonna has been attacked by Kabbalah officials for allowing shooting parties to take place at her English country estate.

The singer and film director husband Guy Ritchie earn a reported $900,000 a year from the shoots.

But Madonna, who took up shooting when she married the director and settled in Britain, may have to put down her gun if she wants to stay in favor with the mystical Jewish teachings.

Ian Broadmore, who runs the Kabbalah School at East Sussex, England, says, "Three hundred years ago, it was quite acceptable for people to go out to shoot and hunt for food but there is a world of difference between that and people shooting birds for fun.

"The birds are part of God's creation, created by God, and as such, are part of God."

GUY RITCHIE TO MAKE KABBALAH MOVIE

Madonna's director husband Guy Ritchie is making a film about the Jewish-based faith Kabbalah -- based on his wife's religious mentor Rabbi Yehuda Berg's book "The Power of Kabbalah."

The 35-year-old director, who is more at home making violent gangster movies like the 2000 hit "Snatch," has already written a foreword to Berg's book in which he gushes, "this book should come with a warning: Danger of Enlightenment."

Kabbalah has captured the attention of many high-profile celebrities including Hollywood actress Demi Moore, living legend Elizabeth Taylor and pop superstar Britney Spears.

Rabbi Berg says, "We're always there for Madonna, we have given her a support system.

"She can get in touch with me any time, or we can send her to a study group, but you don't have to be Madonna to get this type of attention, anyone can contact me."

MADONNA'S FINANCIAL REQUEST UPSET MCCARTNEY

Madonna's request for financial donations for the religious movement she fervently supports is causing friction between her and close pal Stella McCartney.

The Material Girl, 45, has been criticized by the fashion designer for requesting huge financial gifts for the mystical Kabbalah movement.

A friend of Paul McCartney's daughter says, "She doesn't see why she should pay huge sums just to follow the Kabbalah teachings."

McCartney was first introduced to the sect -- an offshoot of Judaism -- by Madonna over a year ago, and was intrigued enough to attend several meetings.

Her mother, the late Linda McCartney, was Jewish and friends say McCartney was "very open" to joining the alternative religion.

The source adds, "She simply doesn't believe that she should pay through the nose to worship something she believes in."

MADONNA: FRIDAY GIGS ARE AGAINST MY RELIGION

Deeply religious superstar Madonna will not play Friday night gigs on her upcoming world tour -- because the teaching of the Kabbalah forbids it.

The hitmaker has pledged to respect the Jewish practice of Shabbat, the religion's sabbath, by dining with her close family every Friday rather than working.

And Madonna, who is married to British filmmaker Guy Ritchie, hopes her move will convince the world she is very serious about the mystical teachings of the Kabbalah.

A source says, "This shows just how much Madonna is influenced by Kabbalah.

"She is completely focused on following her beliefs no matter what lengths she has to go to."

MADONNA SACRIFICES PAL FOR NEW RELIGION

Madonna has ditched her best friend Debi Mazar -- because she doesn't follow the teachings of the Kabbalah.

The revelation comes just days after the singer reportedly refused to schedule performances for her upcoming world tour on Friday nights, because the mystical offshoot of Judaism forbids it.

An insider tells Page Six, "They are no longer best friends. Debi is very hurt and confused, but Madonna has made up her mind.

"These women have been friends for 20 years and now, nothing."

The Material Girl has donated huge sums of money to the religion -- including all proceeds from her children's books -- and will reportedly give the Kabbalah Center earnings from her upcoming Re-Invention Tour.

The insider adds, "Madonna is doing everything for Kabbalah, she and hubby Guy Ritchie are its biggest cash cows -- they make a lot of money for the Kabbalah Center."

TRIGGER-HAPPY MADONNA

Queen of Pop Madonna is a handy with a gun -- according to the man teaching her military maneuvers for her upcoming stage tour.

The superstar is planning to make an anti-war statement during her performance of her song "American Life" during her Reinvention tour.

According to MSNBC.com, the singer -- who backed out of plans for a similar demonstration in the song's video -- will "reenact battle scenes in a way that is meant to underscore the tragedy of war."

And, according to the man enlisted with the job of training Madonna and her dancers, the singer is "adequate" with a rifle.

Military expert Allan Dekko says of the Material Girl, "I won't say that she is a natural, but what is being asked of her she did well."

Dekko added that Madonna always worked in sweatpants but insisted, "She always smelled good."