The pop star Madonna, who adopted the Hebrew name Esther upon joining Kabbalah, may be stepping back from the mystical Jewish belief system, according to a July 2006 report in the Independent on Sunday. Friends of the singer told the paper she had spoken of removing the red wristband worn by followers to guard against the evil eye.
The reported disillusionment stems from the financial strain of her involvement, tensions the faith has caused in her marriage to filmmaker Guy Ritchie, and concern that her children are cut off from mainstream traditions such as Christmas.
A spokesman for the singer called the reports "completely untrue."
Religious scholars have long criticized Madonna's version of Kabbalah, arguing that its emphasis on prosperity and inner peace bears little resemblance to the rigorous, ascetic practice traditionally reserved for devout Jewish men over 40 who have spent decades studying sacred texts. The tradition dates to the 12th and 13th centuries.
Despite the controversy, Madonna's celebrity profile helped bring global attention and donations to the movement. She reportedly contributed several million pounds annually and purchased the London center's premises for more than 3.6 million pounds.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in July 2006, in its own words.