Madonna Dines with Netanyahu, Where Jewish Law Forbids Men to Hear a Woman Singing

Madonna with Benjamin Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and the singer’s Israeli manager Guy OsearyBloomberg News reports that Madonna, her companion Jesus Luz, and Israeli manager Guy Oseary were hosted Friday evening in the Prime Minister’s Residence, to welcome the Sabbath.

Mrs. Netanyahu and Madonna performed together the lighting and blessing of the ceremonial candles.

One new mention is a hot topic this week at Anne of Carversville: modesty and covering the female body. (See Beyond the Veil: The Intersection of Sensuality, Culturally Appropriate & Women’s Rights.)

The London Times reports that one Orthodox rabbi tried to get ‘Esther’ (Madonna’s Jewish name as a practioner of Kabbalah) to show “respect” for the Jewish faith by wearing “more modest” clothing during her two performances.

Israel National News reports that it’s against Jewish law for men to hear women sing! Therefore, Madonna’s concert appearances in Israel are against Jewish law, said Rabbi Batzri, head of the Shalom Yeshiva in Jerusalem.

I admit this piece of information is a jaw-dropper.

Always the provocateur driving the message of a healthy sexuality and self-image for women, Madonna wore her usual brief costumes. It should be noted that Orthodox Jews don’t believe that women should practice the Kabbalah, which is reserved for learned men. Anne