JERUSALEM — Madonna has begun rehearsals in Tel Aviv for the opening concert of her new world tour.

The international pop star will open her MDNA world tour on May 31 at Ramat Gan Stadium near Tel Aviv. Last month she cancelled a second Tel Aviv concert date.

Madonna arrived in Israel on May 25th and reportedly spent the weekend visiting holy sites and attending classes on Shavuot at the Kabbalah Center in Tel Aviv.

Madonna was accompanied by her four children and reportedly demanded a special play area be constructed for them, with a pool and play room, on the grounds of the stadium.

Rehearsals reportedly began on Sunday. Madonna is reportedly also accompanied by a 70-member crew.

Madonna, 54, twice has performed sold-out shows in Israel, including the last performance of her "Sticky and Sweet" tour in 2009. She also has visited Israel with her children as part of her devotion to the study of Kabbalah.