← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · Quantrill
Thread ID: 18601 | Posts: 7 | Started: 2005-06-09
2005-06-09 18:06 | User Profile
Good grief.
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2][size=3]**This is**[/size]**
[size=6]LONDON[/size]** [size=1]09/06/05 - Showbiz section[/size][/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2][size=3]**Madonna opens Hotel Kabbalah**[/size]
[size=1]By David Sanderson and Luke David, Evening Standard[/size][/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Madonna's support for Kabbalah is growing. She has already spent ̣̉3.6million on a West End headquarters for the controversial religious sect. Now she has bought it a ̣̉1.6million Regent's Park property.<replace type="morelinks" align="right"></replace>[/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]The star, who became a Kabbalah devotee in the Nineties, has purchased the five-storey Georgian house to be used as a hotel cum drop-in centre for the sect. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]The teachings of Kabbalah, whose followers include Britney Spears, Demi Moore and Barbra Streisand, are based on a 4,000-year-old mystical Hebrew philosophy. Denounced by some rabbis as "crackpot", its devotees chant and meditate at meetings into the early hours. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Madonna, 46, bought the house in Conway Street, close to the ̣̉7.5million Marylebone home she shares with film director husband Guy Ritchie, on behalf of the Kabbalah Trust from retired graphic designers Peter and Julia Stillwell two weeks ago. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]In the street yesterday, residents spoke of their fears about their new neighbours. Zeze el-Dib, 56, said people were wary of Kabbalah and its leaders' motives, adding: "We do not want any sect here. I do not want to interfere with anybody's religious wishes but with Kabbalah we have to be suspicious."[/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Having a Kabbalah centre would be totally inappropriate. It is a seriously manipulative sect which is very good at getting people's money, including Madonna's." [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]However, Morris Conroy, a former Kabbalah member, had no objections. "This is a central London location where residents are used to people coming and going," he said. Mr Stillwell, who has moved to a farm in Tonbridge, Kent, said: "We really wanted to leave although we had wonderful memories there. But as far as I am concerned Kabbalah can do what it likes with the building. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]"It hasn't got planning permission to be used as offices so we got the impression Kabbalah want to use it for people needing to stay in London overnight to save the cost of a hotel." [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Worldwide interest in the sect has been growing despite claims that converts are "brain-washed" into handing over a large slice of their earnings to fund the lifestyle of its US-based leader, former insurance salesman and New York rabbi Philip Berg. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Madonna, or Esther as she's known by fellow devotees, bought the group's first London headquarters in Stratford Place and is spending several million dollars on another Kabbalah centre in New York. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]She has written a series of children's books based on its teachings and featured Kabbalah images on her last tour. She is reported to have turned down a place on the Cannes Film Festival jury this year because she would have missed two Kabbalah meetings in London. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Asked yesterday if she thought her support of the group had damaged her career, the singer told NBC: "Absolutely not. I do know that there's cynicism involved but I accept it because it's different. It's something new to people and people are always guarded and suspicious of things that are new." [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]Mainstream rabbis disagree. Rabbi Barry Marcus of London's Central Synagogue described Kabbalah as "hell-bent on making money" while last year the Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, said it was not recognised by religious authorities. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2]The centre, which it says is a not-for-profit organisation, charges ̣̉35 for a day of chanting and meditation. Red strings that followers tie around their wrists to ward off evil spirits cost up to ̣̉25 but are free in Israel. [/size][/font]
[font=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=2][url="http://www.thisislondon.com/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId=19193278"]http://www.thisislondon.com/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId=19193278[/url] [/size][/font]
2005-06-10 12:36 | User Profile
[B]A Spiritual Journey[/B] It's three months since I became a student of Kabbalah, eager to find out the truth about the sect sweeping the celebrity world. Would I find enlightenment and happiness through the teachings of its leader, Rabbi Philip Berg? Or, as cynics warned, would I find the lessons of the former Brooklyn insurance salesman costly and meaningless?
It had all started with a free lecture I attended this past May in London. Afterward, I signed up for a 10-week course, the Power of Kabbalah, for $323. From day one, we were encouraged to spend money. First, we were expected to buy a red string bracelet (cost: $45) which identifies followers. The string would protect me from looks of ill-will and envious stares. A staff member at the center tied it on my left hand, chanted Hebrew and told me to envisage light.
At the classes I took, we were told we would experience miracles, find inner peace and enjoy financial prosperity. For homework, we were to study the 72 Hebrew names for God. As classes became more intense, there was little time for family, friends or even work, and some students began to drop out. Those who remained appeared to have undergone some sort of conversion: They spoke of miracles and said their lives had improved. I was having doubts.
I was pressured to buy a copy of the Zohar, the 23-volume Kabbalah bible, (cost: $502); pressured to visit London's Kabbalah center on a daily basis (even if it meant missing work); and pressured to bring in new recruits. At one point, someone suggested that I get a second credit card or sell a family heirloom to pay for a Kabbalah- themed trip to Israel.
I began to feel that I was losing a sense of identity. When I met with my teacher, he wanted to know about my job, my family and what worries I had. He asked when I was going to buy the Zohar; I told him I couldn't afford it. "Imagine it," he said, "and it will happen."
During another Kabbalah event (cost: $47), we flung our hands in the air and shouted "Chernobyl" to send good energy to the Ukrainian city in the former Soviet Union, where in 1986, the worst nuclear accident in history oc curred. We were told we could cure everything -- even cancer. After chanting for what seemed like forever, we ate a late dinner. Afterward, we had to study until 4 a.m. By 2 a.m., I was exhausted, and I left.
[B]More Classes, More $$ [/B] As the weeks passed, I found the courses increasingly invasive and expensive. I was frequently called at home by my mentor, Sarah. "Can't you visit the center more often?" she asked. I felt like I was being pulled by an invisible string. I had just finished one course when I was phoned to ask if I would sign up for another 10- week course, Kabbalah II (cost: $269) that would deepen my knowledge. I paid the money.
I was asked to sign up for more classes that I couldn't afford, including a weekly Zohar class ($23); a 10-week Tree of Life seminar ($271); a Anti-Matter Course ($145) and even palm-reading classes ($163). Some students had taken up second jobs to fund their studies; others were starting to wonder where the money goe s. I heard of one girl who gave up her well-paid accountant job to live and work full-time at the center.
As I tried to follow the faith, I was exhausted and scared of saying no to the pleas to spend more money on courses and books. But the end came when a teacher tried to get me to go to Israel for Rosh Hashannah (cost: $1,794). I was told if I didn't go I wouldn't "get my light" for the year. I considered getting that extra credit card.
But then I woke up. Luckily, I have supportive friends and family from whom Kabbalahists subtly try to alienate you. After talking to them, I did some thinking. My days with Kabbalah were numbered. But other followers were not so strong. I watched others get drawn deeper and deeper into the sect.
As I watched Madonna and Guy at the Sukkot dinner, I wondered what the singer saw in the faith. Seated at her table, she picked at her meal and drank water (while Guy gulped wine). By 11 p.m., most people were tired. Guy stifled a yawn and mouthed to his wife, "Can we go?" They were led through the house; the rest of us left through a side gate.
It's now more than four months since I began studying Kabbalah, and I have broken free. After buying the complete works of the Zohar (running my Kabbalah bill up to $1,794), when they were delivered to my house, I couldn't touch them. Whatever wisdom is contained within them has remained unopened. A spokesperson for the London Kabbalah Center told Star: "Everybody's personal journey is different. If it didn't feel right for her, then it didn't feel right."
To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here: [url]http://www.rickross.com/groups/kabbalah.html[/url]
2005-06-11 16:24 | User Profile
L Ron Hubbard would be so proud of his competitors.
Dianetics, Kabbalah, what have you.
Shearing sheep for fun and profit. Celebrity shills (Madonna, Cruise, Travolta) aplenty.
PT Barnum was right.
[QUOTE=albion]A Spiritual Journey It's three months since I became a student of Kabbalah, eager to find out the truth about the sect sweeping the celebrity world. Would I find enlightenment and happiness through the teachings of its leader, Rabbi Philip Berg? Or, as cynics warned, would I find the lessons of the former Brooklyn insurance salesman costly and meaningless?
It had all started with a free lecture I attended this past May in London. Afterward, I signed up for a 10-week course, the Power of Kabbalah, for $323. From day one, we were encouraged to spend money. First, we were expected to buy a red string bracelet (cost: $45) which identifies followers. The string would protect me from looks of ill-will and envious stares. A staff member at the center tied it on my left hand, chanted Hebrew and told me to envisage light.
At the classes I took, we were told we would experience miracles, find inner peace and enjoy financial prosperity. For homework, we were to study the 72 Hebrew names for God. As classes became more intense, there was little time for family, friends or even work, and some students began to drop out. Those who remained appeared to have undergone some sort of conversion: They spoke of miracles and said their lives had improved. I was having doubts.
I was pressured to buy a copy of the Zohar, the 23-volume Kabbalah bible, (cost: $502); pressured to visit London's Kabbalah center on a daily basis (even if it meant missing work); and pressured to bring in new recruits. At one point, someone suggested that I get a second credit card or sell a family heirloom to pay for a Kabbalah- themed trip to Israel.
I began to feel that I was losing a sense of identity. When I met with my teacher, he wanted to know about my job, my family and what worries I had. He asked when I was going to buy the Zohar; I told him I couldn't afford it. "Imagine it," he said, "and it will happen."
During another Kabbalah event (cost: $47), we flung our hands in the air and shouted "Chernobyl" to send good energy to the Ukrainian city in the former Soviet Union, where in 1986, the worst nuclear accident in history oc curred. We were told we could cure everything -- even cancer. After chanting for what seemed like forever, we ate a late dinner. Afterward, we had to study until 4 a.m. By 2 a.m., I was exhausted, and I left.
**More Classes, More $$ ** As the weeks passed, I found the courses increasingly invasive and expensive. I was frequently called at home by my mentor, Sarah. "Can't you visit the center more often?" she asked. I felt like I was being pulled by an invisible string. I had just finished one course when I was phoned to ask if I would sign up for another 10- week course, Kabbalah II (cost: $269) that would deepen my knowledge. I paid the money.
I was asked to sign up for more classes that I couldn't afford, including a weekly Zohar class ($23); a 10-week Tree of Life seminar ($271); a Anti-Matter Course ($145) and even palm-reading classes ($163). Some students had taken up second jobs to fund their studies; others were starting to wonder where the money goe s. I heard of one girl who gave up her well-paid accountant job to live and work full-time at the center.
As I tried to follow the faith, I was exhausted and scared of saying no to the pleas to spend more money on courses and books. But the end came when a teacher tried to get me to go to Israel for Rosh Hashannah (cost: $1,794). I was told if I didn't go I wouldn't "get my light" for the year. I considered getting that extra credit card.
But then I woke up. Luckily, I have supportive friends and family from whom Kabbalahists subtly try to alienate you. After talking to them, I did some thinking. My days with Kabbalah were numbered. But other followers were not so strong. I watched others get drawn deeper and deeper into the sect.
As I watched Madonna and Guy at the Sukkot dinner, I wondered what the singer saw in the faith. Seated at her table, she picked at her meal and drank water (while Guy gulped wine). By 11 p.m., most people were tired. Guy stifled a yawn and mouthed to his wife, "Can we go?" They were led through the house; the rest of us left through a side gate.
It's now more than four months since I began studying Kabbalah, and I have broken free. After buying the complete works of the Zohar (running my Kabbalah bill up to $1,794), when they were delivered to my house, I couldn't touch them. Whatever wisdom is contained within them has remained unopened. A spokesperson for the London Kabbalah Center told Star: "Everybody's personal journey is different. If it didn't feel right for her, then it didn't feel right."
To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here: [url="http://www.rickross.com/groups/kabbalah.html"]http://www.rickross.com/groups/kabbalah.html[/url][/QUOTE]
2005-06-11 16:36 | User Profile
This only tells that even such an ugly "religion" can be made appealing once the organs of propaganda become monopolized by the usual suspects.
2005-06-14 18:57 | User Profile
Sounds like another rip-off "religion " which milks its followers. We have had many of them, from Reverend Ike, Elijah Mohammad, Amy McPherson, Gene Scott, and Scientology. It's not what Madonna saw in the religion, but rather what the religion see's in Madonna ($$$$).
2005-06-14 19:39 | User Profile
[QUOTE=Ron]Sounds like another rip-off "religion " which milks its followers. We have had many of them, from Reverend Ike, Elijah Mohammad, Amy McPherson, Gene Scott, and Scientology. It's not what Madonna saw in the religion, but rather what the religion see's in Madonna ($$$$).[/QUOTE] It sounds like this Rabbi Phillip Berg has concocted a 'Kabbalah-lite' cult to milk the gullible goyim. True Kabbalah, however, is actually quite sinister and involves summoning demons and worshipping the self.
2005-06-14 20:44 | User Profile
[QUOTE]Rabbi Barry Marcus of London's Central Synagogue described Kabbalah as "hell-bent on making money"...[/QUOTE] You know this has to be bad when a rabbi says it is ripoff. Either that or he is ticked off that he didn't think of it first.