As the rumours persist about the state of their marriage, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have turned to their faith to help them get through the crisis.The couple were pictured camping at a Kabbalah retreat at the weekend.
For moral support they brought along some close friends, including Ashton's florist pal Eric Buterbaugh. Their Kabbalah instructor Yehuda Berg – pictured above with the couple and his wife Michal – is also reported to have joined them. The spiritual leader is the son of the founder of LA's Kabbalah centre and has written several international best-selling books on the religion, based on Jewish mysticism. He has been instrumental in Ashton and Demi's relationship. "I credit the success of my marriage to the teachings of Yehuda Berg," writes Ashton in way of review of Yehuda's book,
The Spiritual Rules of Engagement: How Kabbalah Can Help Your Soul Mate Find You.
"My wife helped a little too…And I was there." The actor goes on to say that Yehuda's wisdom "has led to a greater happiness than I ever thought possible".
The description of the book states how dad-of-five Yehuda "regularly provides counsel to hundreds of individuals and couples, and is happily married himself".
It also says that "it is the women who holds the power to determine the outcome (in relationships)." Some of the relationship advice offered by the teacher – who was often spotted with Guy Ritchie and Madonna (below) – would probably have followed the Kabbalah precepts, as outlined on the centre's website.
The faith views difficulties and disagreements as opportunities to grow. The website adds: "What seems to be a problem is actually a gift: a chance to remove an internal obstacle that stands between ourselves and the unlimited happiness that is our real destiny."
Two days before their camping trip the couple made a show of solidarity at a Kabbalah service marking the Jewish day of atonement. In line with custom, the pair sat on opposite ends of the aisle. But they greeted each other with a hug after the service and walked out with their arms wrapped around each other's waists.
And in a further show of support, Ashton has broken the Twitter silence that has existed between his and Demi's accounts in the past few months. "Good luck for tonight, you should be proud," he tweeted, ahead of the airing of Five, a group of films which Demi helped direct with other stars including Jennifer Aniston. The films explore the impact of breast cancer on people's lives.
An age defying romance