Madonna's rabbi companion

Nov 11, 2009, 5:02 GMT

Madonna has been accompanied to Brazil by her rabbi.

The '4 Minutes' singer flew into South America on a private jet on Monday (09.11.09) and despite speculation her visit to Rio de Janeiro is to meet boyfriend Jesus Luz's family, she insists she is there to carry out charity work.

Speaking ahead of her visit, she said: "I am going there strictly for fundraising and humanitarian purposes."

The 51-year-old star - who was casually dressed in a tracksuit as she disembarked her aircraft - has not disclosed her agenda for the visit, but she arrived with the Kabbalah Centre's Rabbi Michael Berg, her partner in the Raising Malawi project, and is expected to meet with Rio Governor Sergio Cabral and Mayor Eduardo Paes today (11.11.09).

Sergio said: "She will visit several projects here. She is delighted by the city and wants to be engaged and help."

Despite her insistence the jaunt is for charitable reasons, it is expected Madonna will meet the family of 23-year-old Jesus during her trip.

The 'Celebration' singer is said to be "on edge" at the prospect of meeting Cristiane Regina da Silva and Luis Heitor Pinto da Luz.

A friend of model Jesus said: "She is slightly on edge. But an engagement could be on the cards."

Jesus - who has been dating the pop star since late last year - is desperate to be "taken seriously", get married and secure their relationship.

The pal added: "Madonna really does love and need Jesus - and she does not hold all the power in their relationship. He grew up with strong Christian beliefs.

"He wants to marry and be taken seriously. She doesn't want to lose Jesus and so the visit to his parents is her way of saying she will make this relationship permanent.

"He wants proof of commitment and he wants her to make an honest man of him."