Madonna Teaching Baby David Kabbalah  11/1/06

Superstar Madonna plans to raise her new adopted son David as a follower of the Kabbalah, but insists he is free to be a Christian like his biological father when he's older.

The Catholic-raised singer began studying the mystical offshoot of Judaism in

1996 and has raised her two biological children Lourdes and Rocco as Kabbalists.

Madonna was photographed bringing 13-month-old Malawian tot David to New York City on Sunday (29OCT06), wearing a red string bracelet, which is said to protect the wearer from 'the evil eye'.

On a NBC News interview to be screened in the US later today (01NOV06), Madonna says, "I believe in Jesus and I study Kabbalah. So, I don't see why he can't too.

"The essence of the Kabbalah is the teachings of Jesus. You know, love your neighbor as yourself.

"If David decides he wants to be a Christian, then so be it. Studying Kabbalah doesn't mean you can't be a Christian or a Buddhist or a Muslim or a Jew or whatever."

When Madonna was granted an interim adoption order for the young boy last month (OCT06), his natural father Yohane Banda said he was glad his son was being adopted by a "nice Christian lady".