Jewish Psychics

A psychic program hosted by Uri Geller is the latest smash hit TV show in Israel. “While the show’s content — illusion, sleight of hand and the supernatural — might stretch a picky viewer’s definition of a reality program, its format sticks close to the staples of the genre: judges, manufactured drama, celebrity cameos and viewer participation. Contestants show off their powers over 10 episodes, and the winner gets fame and fortune as Geller’s anointed successor, along with a secret prize,” according to the San Francisco Gate Chronicle.  Geller belives the show is successful because of Israel’s Jewish mystical traditions. “People here have roots in positive mysticism carried through the centuries by the Kabbalah,” says Geller.