This
The mainstreaming of Jewish mysticism spurs
controversy and support in surprising places.
SHARON LUCKERMA
- N StaffWriter
or centuries, the Kabbalah was cloaked in secrecy.
Only a select few were allowed to study these
mystical teachings of the Jews. And only those
few, legend has it, could handle its profound
insights and ecstasy.
Times have changed. Some rabbis and scholars set aside the
original prohibitions on who can learn it Today, Kabbalah
study reaches a more mainstream audience.
The pop singer Madonna is a devotee and her 1998 album Ray'
of Light is dedicated to the Kabbalah. She and other celebrities
study through the Kabbalah Centre, which has sites in 17 cities
around the world.
Elsewhere, students of all faiths take Kabbalah classes at uni-
versities, where courses have been available only in the last
decade. Still others learn with rabbis through local synagogues.
Former Detroiter Avraham
Loewenthal paints a mandala
based on Kabbalah teachings.
The painting is shown here and
on this week'sjewish News cover.
Lowenstein lives in Safid, Israel,
a center of Jewish mysticism. To
view more of his artwork, see
www.kabbalahart.com