Rabbi Philip Berg, Kabbalah Centre founder, has died

Rabbi Philip Berg, founder of the Kabbalah Centre

The founder of the Kabbalah Centre has died. Rabbi Philip Berg was 86, according to the Los Angeles-based center’s website.

Berg’s teachings of ancient Jewish mysticism attracted a slew of celebrities: Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Britney Spears and, of course, his most famous follower, Madonna.

Berg had been in bad health since a 2004 stroke.

An online announcement says “The Kabbalah Centre is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our teacher, Rav Berg.” The announcement praises Berg for popularizing kabbalah and creating “a path for millions to learn and live.”

KCRW’s Steve Chiotakis discussed Berg and his organization with Rob Eshman, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Jewish Journal.

Rob wrote an investigative story about the Kabbalah Centre in 1997, click here to read it.