Kabbalah taking over

Madonna Forum

MADONNA SEEKS NEW NAME FOR RITCHIE

Kabbalah devotee Madonna is busy reviewing potential Hebrew names for husband Guy Ritchie.

The singer recently changed her name to Esther as part of her conversion to the mystical offshoot of Judaism, and wants Ritchie to follow her lead.

An insider says, "Madonna wants Guy to convert religiously as much as she has. It doesn't make sense if she's fully involved and her family isn't."

That's just wierd. I don't get what is wrong with her real name? Why do so many religions make you change your name? Get with the times religion, names have changed in the last 2000 years, everyone can't have the same names as then. It's ridiculous.

MADONNA is so wrapped up in her Kabbalah-blah-blah studies that she is taking an “Energy Tour” to Israel next month.

Madge believes the weird pilgrimage will enable her to go back in time, undo any negative actions and fuel up on energy from the “upper worlds”

It sounds like a load of old baloney to me.

Most people want to relax, catch some sun and party on their annual vacation.

But not the Kabbalah-obsessed Queen Of Pop.

Immediately after her Re-invention Tour finishes in Europe, Madonna — or Esther as she’s known within the religion — will join hundreds of other red-bracelet wearing Kabbalists on the spiritual journey.

Madge has forked out more than £20,000 for herself, husband GUY RITCHIE, their two kids LOLA and ROCCO and a few staff to go on the Kabbalah magical mystical tour.

The journey is taking place in mid-September during the holiest time of the Jewish calendar — a special occasion for all Jews around the world.

But the specifics of Madonna’s trip sound like mumbo jumbo.

The first section of the pilgrimage — centred on the holy day of Rosh Hashanah on September 15 — offers a chance to go back in time to undo any bad actions.

A Kabbalah advert says: “Every word, thought and action you put out there creates positive or negative effects. And like boomerangs, they come back to you.

“You have the chance to go back in time and delete all the negative actions.

“Once your slate is clean, you have the opportunity to restart your life.” Then on Yom Kippur or Day Of Atonement on September 24, the pilgrims will: “Walk into the immaterial bank which exists in the upper world and grab all the energy you’ll need to truly manifest the life you want.”

I’m sure Madge believes it’s all very important — but it sure doesn’t sound like much fun for the rest of the family.

Madonna has clearly forgotten the chorus to her own hit single Holiday where she urged us to celebrate — not meditate.

Sounds like a load of to me.

MADONNA DEMANDS WATER

Pop superstar Madonna shocked organizers of the Irish leg of her Re-Invention tour, by demanding 25 cases of Kabbalah water on her backstage rider.

The Material Girl -- a devout follower of the mystical offshoot of Judaism -- is scheduled to perform a one-off gig at Dublin's Slane Castle on August 29.

But Irish promoters are struggling to assemble her demanding rider, which includes gallons of the costly water Madonna swears by.

A source tells gossip site the Scoop, "That's a lot of water for a one-day concert. I've heard some Kabbalah followers bathe in Kabbalah water."

But Kabbalah critic Rick Ross is skeptical of Madonna's interest in the religion -- which she has reportedly been pushing on her tour staff.

He tells The Scoop, "Madonna has taken to pushing Kabbalah on anyone within shouting distance. She's been trying to convert everyone who works on the concert, and that includes making them pray, giving Kabbalah courses as presents, and no doubt, pumping Kabbalah water down their throats. People working on concerts go through a lot of water, and it's the only drink that she'll touch."

25 cases???? of some mystic water? what a waste of money, but I guess she's got a lot of money, if she wants to waste it on stupid blessed water, she can. Bath in it?

Now (apparently) MAdonna is over the Kabbalah already:

This woman cannot make up her mind about anything, one minutes she's one thing, then another. She's probably just thinking it's time to get out of Kabbalah now that it's becoming more well known and "cool". She likes to be one step ahead of the hoardes when it comes to religion.

Who put the mad in Madonna?

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2004400620,00.jpg
In control ... Madonna

1. Kabbalah chief Rabbi Berg

I NEVER thought I’d see the day when MADONNA’s rosy relationship with Kabbalah would take a turn for the worse.

But the Queen Of Pop has had her first fallout with the leaders of the mystical Jewish faith over her generous financial donations.

Madge, renowned for her shrewd business sense, has demanded a detailed account of how her money has been used since the start of her sell-out Re-Invention tour in May.

She has even refused an invitation to give a lecture at a private seminar held by Kabbalah’s top man RABBI BERG while she waits for the explanation.

The singer has put millions into Kabbalah projects but now wants a bigger say in how the cash is used.

A source said: “Madonna wants to know what projects her money is going to and why certain projects are chosen ahead of others.

“She wasn’t entirely satisfied that it was going towards the projects she thought deserved the most financial support.

“Now she has asked for a clear, detailed report on where the money is being spent before it gets the go-ahead.

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2004400621,00.jpg
Row ... Rabbi Berg

“She’s as keen as ever to help but is treating it like a business plan — just like she does everything else.”

Madonna’s fallout with the faith’s leaders is the latest indication that everything is not all roses in Kabbalahland.

Last month hubby GUY RITCHIE scrapped with one of her rabbi advisers. He threatened to “break the face” of the guru because he was angry at his constant interfering.

At one stage the movie director even grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, sparking a row between the superstar couple.

But I don’t think this is the end of Madge’s love affair with Kabbalah.

She just wants to assert the same control as she does in other parts of her life.

I mean she’s well and truly hooked on the faith — from calling herself by her Kabbalah name Esther to drinking only Kabbalah water.

And if her faith has anything to do with her fantastic world tour performances, she should stick with it.

Madonna’ s concerts in Los Angeles and London completely blew me away.


2. Fashion guru Manolo Blahnik

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Shoe-making genius ... Manolo Blahnik

MANOLO BLAHNIK has also found himself at the receiving end of Madonna’s wrath.

The shoe-making genius, made famous by SARAH JESSICA PARKER in TV sitcom Sex And The City, has been blacklisted too.

Manolo, made the ill-advised decision to criticise her acting ability in a TV interview.

Big mistake . . . huge. It doesn’t make good business sense to slag off your most famous, free-spending customer.

Especially when Madge once famously claimed his shoes were “as good as sex – and they last longer.”

Manolo sent the star a letter apologising for his comments but received a stern reply telling him, in no uncertain terms, that it wasn’t good enough.

She hasn’t visited his shop since.

But are you really sure you want to fall out with the fashion guru, Madge?

He’s the god of shoes. Just think about your comparison of Manolo and sex.

Still sure you don’t want him to be your best mate and bung a few freebies your way?

MADONNA QUESTIONS KABBALAH SPENDING

Madonna's support of the Los Angeles Kabbalah Center has helped pay for luxurious homes for its leaders, according to reports.

The pop superstar -- a devout follower of the mystical branch of Judaism -- has reportedly asked for an audit to show where her charitable donations have been spent by the center.

And, gossip site the Scoop claims her millions have been spent on real estate near the center's home on South Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles -- a source alleging "mini-mansions" are being built for the leaders of the Kabbalah Center on three such sites.

Religious cult expert Rick Ross claims one house will be occupied by Rabbi Philip Berg and the other two are for his sons Michael and Yehuda.

A spokesperson for the center insists they are purchasing land "because the Kabbalah Center is expanding."

But Ross claims Madonna's nosiness may prompt the end of her association with the Kabbalah Center.

He tells the Scoop, "Madonna has a reputation for being a savvy businesswoman who knows how to read a balance sheet. I can't imagine that the Bergs really want to show her their bottom line. If Madonna insists on seeing the books, the Bergs may ultimately show her the door."

That's disgusting, they have used and used Madonna, she gives them millions in donations, she has help increase the numbers of followers, who probably give donations too. And then they turn around and just use that money to biuld luxery homes for their kids.

See why I am against organised religion!!!!

MADONNA BEGINS PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL

Superstar Madonna will set off Wednesday for a pilgrimage to Israel to mark the Jewish New Year.

The singer will join husband Guy Ritchie and children Lourdes and Rocco as well as 2,000 other members of the Kabbalah Center -- a mystical offshoot of Judaism -- on the trip.

During her journey, Madonna's party will take in the graves of Jewish sages in northern Israel and the Western Wall -- but Israeli police are concerned about another stop on their itinerary, Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, which is on the Israeli-occupied Palestinian West Bank.

Pro-Palestinian activists are planning to protest at the site -- so thousands of Israeli officers have been drafted in to protect the group. Rabbi Shaul Youdkevitch, the head of Israel's Kabbalah Center, says, "These are energy vortexes.

It is known among Kabbalists, among people that study Kabbalah, that you can go there and recharge yourself with positive energy." Madonna will also give a speech at an event intended to unite Israeli and Palestinian children.

Organizer and Kabbalah scholar Michael Berg says, "We need to honor these heroic and courageous children. A gathering of this magnitude can have the power to diminish the volatile gap between Israeli and Arab communities to help the people recognize that love is stronger than hate and peace is the focus for the future."

Madonna has banned Jewish photographers from covering her pilgrimage to Israel, because it would break laws forbidding Jews from working during religious holidays, and has also requested journalists joining them to dress in white.

- SF Gate

I think her pilgrimage is silly. I mean I don't claim to understand the Jewish or Kabbalah religions or anything, but it seems like a big waste of time or a big publicity thing to me.

I am not the only one who is not happy about Madonna going to Israel:

ESTHER THE POP PILGRIM

Madonna joins Kabbalah vigil

A TEARFUL Madonna held a candlelit midnight vigil at a sacred Jewish grave yesterday.

The pop diva was one of 2000 Kabbalah students at the emotional ceremony in a Jerusalem graveyard.

Police officers carrying assault rifles escorted Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie to the Kiryat Shaul cemetery, where they visited Kabbalah guru Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag's grave.

The singer looked relaxed in jeans, a black sweater and cap with a large diamond-encrusted letter 'E' on a chain to symbolise her new Hebrew name, Esther.

The media presence clearly angered Guy, but his wife played peacemaker, saying: 'If you give us five minutes alone, we'll allow you to take a picture.'

Madonna spent an hour inside the stone mausoleum placing candles on the tomb, praying and chanting.

Led by a rabbi, she recited blessings over food and wine, drank from plastic cups and wept as she circled the raised stone grave.

Kabbalah followers believe praying at the graves of holy men can help people achieve their goals.

She then visited the Western Wall, part of Judaism's holiest site where the biblical temples stood, but some worshippers chanted: 'She has no right to be here.'

The Material Girl is on a controversial five-day spiritual quest to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and more than 1000 Israeli police officers have been drafted in to protect her and her devotees.

She has angered Jews, however, by breaking religious laws forbidding public transport on holy days, while Palestinians are furious at her decision to visit Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, deemed a symbol of Israel's occupation.

Madonna was raised a Roman Catholic but became a follower of Jewish mysticism in recent years.She wears a red thread on her wrist to ward off the evil eye and reportedly refuses to perform on the Jewish Sabbath.

She has also asked for food that meets strict Jewish dietary regulations.

Millions of Kabbalah students make pilgrimages every year to the more than 100 burial sites across the Holy Land, to pray for health, children or to find a mate.

Madonna has been protected by heavy security during her trip and two of her guards were arrested last Friday after a brawl with photographers.

- Hello

She goes on and on about how much she really is a Kabbalhist and how she's not doing it for pulicity or whatever and then:

MADONNA AND RITCHIE UPSET KABBALAH PALS

Superstar couple Madonna and Guy Ritchie have been accused of receiving privileged treatment at Kabbalah meetings.

Followers of the mystical Jewish offshoot claim they had to drink water and wine from disposable plastic cups and eat off plastic plates at a recent $102-a-head event held at the Kabbalah Center in London.

Meanwhile, Madonna and Ritchie were reportedly served wine in crystal glasses and food in expensive dishes -- much to the fury of fellow members, and supposed equals, who had to concoct their own dinners.

One disgruntled attendee complains, "While we waited in line for water and a buffet of salmon, salad and hummus, to be consumed from plastic glasses and plates, Madonna sat at a table with wine bottles and blessed water."

- SF Gate

MADONNA SACKED MANAGER BECAUSE OF KABBALAH

Madonna's devotion to the Kabbalah reportedly was behind her decision to fire her long-term manager Caresse Henry, after Madonna discovered Henry was having an affair with a bodyguard.

The singer reportedly was shocked that Henry, who had also converted to the mystical offshoot of Judaism, had broken one of the religion's strictest teachings -- faithfulness.

Henry had a partner back in America, while security man Ricky Dallanegra lived with his girlfriend in London. They have since become a couple after leaving their respective partners.

Madonna sought the advice of her rabbi on the matter when she learned of the romance during this summer's Re-Invention tour, before deciding to follow the Kabbalah practices and part ways with Henry.

An insider tells British newspaper the Sun, "Madonna and Guy are deeply committed to their Kabbalah faith which preaches monogamy and faithfulness. It's ironic, because Madonna used to eat men for breakfast. Now's she's a married mother and Kabbalist, she believes cheating is a serious sin.

"When she found out her manager was having an affair with her own bodyguard she was devastated. Madonna had a huge falling out with Caresse and said she couldn't possibly work with her any more."

- SF Gate

Madonna's A Test Consumer For New Kabbalah Energy Drink

Kabbalah Center spokesman Darin Ezra tells Jeannette Walls of MSNBC.com that Madonna, Ashton Kutcher, and Demi Moore are currently trying out Kabbalah's new energy drink, and may agree to be its spokesperson.

"We’re going after the Red Bull market," Ezra said. "But Kabbalah Energy Drink tastes better. And it’s infused with Kabbalah water, which is holy water."

Read more.

- Pop Dirt

I bet Britney will start drinking Kaballah water now that it's been compared to Red Bull and Madonna is endorsing it.

MADONNA IGNORES FAMILY OVER KABBALAH

Madonna's religious devotion has estranged her from her brothers and sisters, because they have refused to convert to Kabbalah.

The Material Girl recently stopped speaking to close friend Debi Mazar when she questioned the religious practice -- and now she's taken a step further by insisting her siblings follow her religious path if they want to be a part of her life, according to a report on Fox News.

Madonna has reportedly cut off contact with Christopher Ciccone, who had worked at her Maverick record label, and is also not speaking to siblings Anthony, Jennifer, Mario, Martin, Melanie and Paula.

- SF Gate

That's just stupid. Madonna was going everywherw hen Britney was getting married talking about them having a dual-faith ceremony and she has said the same to Demi and Ashton.

How can she promote accepting someone else's faith amognst her friends and then not apply that principle to her own family.

She should practise what she preaches.

MADONNA PROMOTED IN KABBALAH

Pop superstar MADONNA has been promoted to the highest level at the controversial Church of Kabbalah she can achieve without being ordained.

The singer, who has followed the mystical offshoot of judaism for some years, was anointed in secret to an upper category of Kabbalah followers in a ceremony conducted by Kabbalah Centre founder RABBI BERG.

A source reveals, "Her teachers think she has reached the pinnacle of spiritual understanding. To Madonna this is the best achievement of her life."

Since joining the Kabbalah Centre, Madonna has recruited her husband GUY RITCHIE as well as a number of new celebrity followers, including DEMI MOORE and BRITNEY SPEARS.

- Toxic Britney

MADONNA 'RECEIVES SPECIAL TREATMENT' AT KABBALAH CENTER

Superstar Madonna has come under fire from her fellow Kabbalah devotees, who claim the Material Girl receives special treatment. Madonna has been studying Kabbalah since 1997 and has introduced several stars to the following, including her husband, Guy Ritchie, and Britney Spears.

During a visit to the New York City Kabbalah Center last month, Madonna infuriated other devotees with her tardiness, reports Page Six.

One Kabbalah follower says, "She arrived late for Friday night Shabbat services. But not to worry, a section of the front row had reserved signs on it, and 'Her Madgesty' sat in between Monica Berg, wife of Kabbalah Center founder Rabbi Michael Berg, and popular teacher Ruthie Rosenberg."

The follower claims Madonna arrived later for the following Saturday afternoon services and was the only person allowed to participate in the Mayim Achronim [Last Water] ceremony.

The source explains, "[It's] washing one's fingertips with water from a cup after eating, bread in this case. Not everyone got the bread, either."

- SF Gate

BY GEORGE, SHE'S HOPPING MAD

MATERIAL girl Madonna has hit back at Boy George's claims that practising Kabbalah makes her a "hypocrite".

The ex-Culture Club singer believes the cult religion, a form of Jewish mysticism, is homophobic because it says homosexuality is a curable disease.

He recently said: "After making all those millions of dollars out of gay people, pretending to kiss girls, pretending to be a lesbian! I think she's cynical."

But 46-year-old Madonna's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg told the New York Post that Boy George's accusations were "ridiculous". She added: "There's not enough room to list Madonna's longstanding passion, love, commitment and devotion to the gay community, which has not changed for 20 years.

"I wish Boy George would go back to writing songs. Does he ever have anything nice to say about anyone?"

- Mirror

Madonna and her husband get dressed up for a Kabbalah event in London, forgoing their designer clothes for religious attire.

http://tinypic.com/2hxr9c

I am sure that's against the rules of Kabbalah for her to dress up like that

I told you she'd get into trouble:

Madonna should be 'beaten' for dressing as a nun!

Madonna should be "beaten" for dressing as a nun at a fancy dress party, a leading US Catholic has claimed.

The stunning singer, a former Catholic before she converted to Kabbalah, was spotted last Thursday (24.03.05) dressed as a holy sister with husband Guy Ritchie, who was sporting a priest outfit. The couple were going to a party to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim at London's Kabbalah Centre.

But the stunt has provoked outrage from William Donahue, president of the American Catholic League, who claims the two stars should be beaten by a real life priest and nun for desecrating the scared attire just three days before Easter Sunday, the faith's most revered holiday.

He is quoted by E Online as saying "They're trying to tweak Catholicism again by exploiting the Jewish holiday. "She needs to be beaten with a ruler by a real-life nun and he needs to paddled on his behind by a real-life priest."

In a further tirade against the couple, Donahue described the 46-year-old singer as a "buffoon" and admitted he was astonished the pair would choose to wear such inappropriate costumes while Pope John Paul II, the head of the Catholic Church, was in such ill health.

He added: "Madonna's such a buffoon that we come to expect it, but Ritchie is morally depraved and a jackass. It's particularly vulgar to dress up like that at a time when the pope is failing at his health."

However, the 46-year-old star's representative, Liz Rosenberg, has played down the incident insisting Madonna of her husband meant to disrespect Catholics. She said: "No disrespect was intended. Madonna dreamed of becoming a nun when she was a little girl."

- Female First

DAILY SNOOZE STIFFS PHOTOGOGRAPHER

SCRATCH n' Match winners aren't the only ones getting stiffed by the Daily Snooze. In the Lowdown column yesterday, the circulation-challenged tab ran a People magazine photo of Kaballah kook Madonna in a nun's habit and hubby Guy Ritchie clad as the ailing pope. Not only was the picture old news — it ran on the cover of Tuesday's Post — adding insult to injury, the image was used to illustrate a story picked up from People's competitor, Us Weekly.

People magazine, which bought rights to the picture from lensman Phil Ramey, is mad. Needless to say, the cheapskate editors at the Snooze didn't pay for the shot, so Ramey angry, too. And like hundreds of Scratch n' Match winners, Ramey figures he'll only get his due by siccing a lawyer on the paper. "They owe me $25,000. If they don't pay, I'll sue them," he said through a spokesman. Said News spokeswoman Eileen Murphy: "This situation is under review."

- New York Post

You know how Madonna's Kabbalah name is Esther right? And you know how you can pick your own name when you convert to Kabbalah right?
Well, I found out the other day that Esther means "Star" in Jewish.
How up-yourself is that? For her to pick the name "Star" for herself?
Get a grip luv.