Trump reportedly kept Jewish text close to his heart for 'protection and healing'
Former wife Marla Maples reveals the president’s reported connection to Jewish mysticism, while sharing her own long-standing ties to Kabbalah, Judaism and Israel
US President Trump reportedly carries a copy of a Jewish Kabbalah text close to his heart, according to his former wife, Marla Maples.
In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Maples said the US president keeps the Book of Pinhas, a section of the Zohar written in Aramaic, under his clothing and close to his heart for what she described as “protection and healing.”
Maples, who was married to Trump from 1993 to 1999, also spoke about what she described as his spiritual side. “He has a very big heart. He wouldn’t be where he is today if he didn’t want to help others,” she said.
Although Maples is Christian, she said she has maintained a strong connection to Kabbalah, Judaism, and Israel for many years. That interest has led her to visit Israel several times, including the northern city of Safed, one of the world's most important centers of Jewish mysticism.
She also recalled visiting the graves of Jewish religious figures and water-skiing on the Sea of Galilee. Maples said she has maintained a kosher diet for more than two decades and regularly observes Shabbat.
Her connection to Judaism also deepened through Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism after marrying Jared Kushner. According to Maples, Ivanka's conversion helped introduce Trump to Jewish traditions as well.
Maples also recounted a frightening incident during a trip to Nigeria roughly two decades ago. She said three armed men stopped her group and ordered everyone to lie on the ground.
In the midst of the ordeal, Maples said she began reciting the Shema, one of Judaism's most central prayers.
“I understood that I had to let go and that everything was in God’s hands. After my prayer, they simply left,” she recalled. She said the experience stayed with her and that she has recited the prayer every morning ever since.
Maples has also spoken out against the rise of antisemitism in the United States and expressed her support for Israel following the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. She described the situation as “insane” and “heartbreaking.”