Hollywood gala? No, it’s a mystical Rosh Hashanah

On Sunday, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, center founder Rabbi Philip Berg blew the shofar and "for the next three hours, everyone stood in utter silence in intense spiritual concentration to remove chaos, pain and suffering from the world," Phillips said. "You could have heard a pin drop."

Following the end of Rosh Hashanah, many participants danced and talked until 2 a.m., said Phillips.

According to a news release, the parent Kabbalah Centre has 39 sites around the world, with more than 3 million members, 50 percent of whom are non-Jewish.

Kabbalah studies date back to the 12th century and combine elements of astrology and numerology, with speculations about the creation of the universe, God and the soul.

Teachings at the Los Angeles center have been denounced by some rabbis as a superficial pop version of the demanding study, while some disenchanted former members have complained of high pressure tactics to give more money.

Nevertheless, the center attracts a growing number of people seeking the spiritual fulfillment they apparently cannot find in conventional synagogues and churches.

Particularly drawn are Hollywood stars, Jewish and non-Jewish. Reported disciples include Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Courtney Love, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern