A new song by Madonna has caused an uproar amongst an unlikely crowd-- Israeli rabbis. The new song, suitably entitled "Isaac", is dedicated to 16th century Jewish mystic, or Kabbalist, Isaac Luria.
The new album, "Confessions on a Dance Floor," due to be released in stores on November 15, has drawn the attention of many rabbis, especially those who oversee the mystic's tomb in the northern Israeli town of Safed, known for its tradition of mystic learning.
The rabbis feel that Madonna is defiling the name of Luria in an attempt to profit from his persona, according to media sources. Rabbi Rafael Cohen, head of the Isaac Luria seminary in Safed, has suggested that Madonna's unholy actions might lead to divine repercussions.
"Jewish law forbids the use of the name of the holy rabbi for profit. Her act is just simply unacceptable and I can only sympathize for her because of the punishment that she is going to receive from the heavens," he told reporters.
Another rabbi, said that "Such a woman brings great sin on Kabbalah," and called for Madonna to be thrown out of the community.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
