11:22am UK, Friday August 20, 2004

Madonna has spent thousands of pounds to buy a rare 12th century book on the Kabbalah religion as a gift for Britney Spears, according to reports.      

Britney has kept the Zohar text with her at all times since Madonna sent it to her, according to The Sun.

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Both singers are devotees of the Jewish-based religion.     

Britney said the Zohar book, which offers philosophy for life as well as astrology and numerology, paints "a bigger picture than even the Bible."      

"It's just so interesting to me because I've never read that stuff before," she said.      

A friend told The Sun: "Madonna has always looked out for Britney.   

"When Britney was going through a tough time earlier in the year, Madonna used Kabbalah teachings to help her through.      

"Britney was delighted with the book. She has read it thoroughly and seems completely taken with it."