Cult Phenomenon – The Kaballah
By Theresa Bennett The trend of the “little red string” stems far beyond religion and often has
little to do with faith.
The growing fascination with celebrity culture and
religion has come complete with T-shirts, mass marketed holy water and
overpriced accessories.
 But could religion playing such a major role in our
pop culture have people taking on a new faith for all the wrong reasons?
Some claim that Hollywood’s elite have been donating millions to an unworthy
cause.
Some Israeli rabbis have explained that the Los Angeles Kabbalah
Center’s teachings have nothing to do with ancient Jewish Study. Never
hesitating to use commercial tactics to gain new recruits, the free lectures
offered weekly seem to be a stepping stone to courses that cost just under
$300. But keeping in mind that we are in Hollywood, what would a place of
worship be without a gift shop? This non-profit organization sells that very
same red string bracelet you saw Lindsay Lohan wearing in US Weekly for $26.
The constant need for larger financial support has even sent a red flag to
Britney Spears who recently renounced her newly found faith (as well as her
friendship to Madonna). Celebrity endorsements have turned this study of
Jewish Mysticism into a world wide phenomenon. But are people following
their faith or their favourite stars (vessels of light)?
The word Kabbalah comes from the Hebrew “To receive”. Receiving seems to be
just what the world is doing. But one must wonder: do all of these people
exclusively drinking spiritually blessed water actually know what they are
advocating? Or are they just looking for a chance to belong to something? A
club they can share with Madonna, Demi Moore, Guy Ritchie, Sandra Bernhard
and Lindsay Lohan. Sounds more like a trip to the Tropicana Bar at the
Roosevelt Hotel than a place for holy worship.
 This pop-spiritual movement has ignited interest in about 30,000 people who
take the Kabbalah Center’s distance learning classes and about 120,000 hits
on the website. In October of 2005 the head of the Kabbalah Center in Tel
Aviv was charged with fraud for extorting money from a woman dying of cancer
who was promised a cure in exchange for $60,000. Similar disputes have
raised controversy around the world yet The Center thrives as a spiritual
epicenter for celebrities and common folk alike.
The principles of Kabbalah teach that every human being is born with the
potential for greatness. That in order to claim the gifts that we are
created to receive we must earn them by transforming ourselves. The
foundation of the teachings offers a strong moral outlook and positive
perspective on life. Yet the mass marketing and celebrity fund raising seems
to at times cheapen its message.
Studying the Kabbalah doesn’t necessarily
mean joining a cult or donating a percentage of your income. It is a
personal and spiritual decision to change your life. But if this decision
stems from yet another fleeting Hollywood trend you may want to try the
Beverly Center a few blocks down for a Balenciaga and pair of oversized
sunglasses. Yet if you are truly committed to following Madonna’s lead feel
free to dial 1-800-KABBALAH for a consultation with a spiritual guide, free
of charge. At least for now.
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