Paula Abdul floats idly in Dead Sea after lathering herself in mud during  spiritual retreat in Israel

As she  continues her spiritual journey  through Israel, Paula Abdul took part in an age-old tradition that dates back to  biblical times.

She submerged herself in the skin-nourishing  qualities of the Dead Sea last Friday.

The 51-year-old  lathered herself in the  Dead Sea’s mineral-rich mud, known for  its health benefits.

Rich mud bath: Paula Abdul covers herself with the  mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea last Friday during her trip to Israel

Healing water: The 51-year-old embraces the Dead Sea’s  healing powers as she floats in the salted water

The former American Idol judge looked serene  as she floated in the water.

The Dead Sea, with its high salt and mineral  content, is popular among  tourists from all over the world for its reputed  therapeutic effects.

The star tweeted about her emotional  experience: ‘Floating HAS to be 1of the  best ways to relax. So effortless. Just smile and feel free.’

Paula, wearing oversized sunglasses, a black  blouse, leopard capri tights  and sky-high  platforms, also took a  picture petting an adorable camel.

 

 

New pal: Paula got up close and personal with a camel  during her visit to the Dead Sea

 

Hosted by Israel’s Tourism Ministry,  the TV personality came to Israel to  connect to her Jewish roots and to hold a belated Bat Mitzvah,  the  coming-of-age ceremony girls typically have at age 12 or 13.

Abdul was planning on holding a  high-profile  ceremony at Jerusalem’s Western Wall,  the holiest place where Jews can  pray, but instead had a private weekend affair  in the northern town of  Safed.

Officiating Rabbi Eyal Riess of the Tzfat  Kabbalah Center said Abdul wanted to  escape the media circus for a more  intimate ceremony.

Embracing the moment: Paula visits the Israel Museum on  October 29 in Jerusalem, Israel

Paula told the Associated Press, ‘Beyond being Jewish, I’ve  always found myself to be very much in tune  with spirituality.’

‘I  feel very grateful coming to Israel now,  where as a woman I know who I  am a lot more than even 10 years ago.’

‘I’ve traveled the world touring and things  like that but I don’t get  the chance to see much of wherever I’m  at.’

More salt? Paula helps Chef Uri Navon cook while  visiting the historical Machane Yehuda Market on October 29 in Jerusalem

Abdul described her visit as ‘the most  magnificent trip I’ve ever taken … magical and  emotional.’

The former American Idol judge also had the  opportunity to sit down with Israel’s president Shimon Peres.

The pair warmly clasped hands as they posed  for pictures, before sitting down together for a Q & A.

Abdul was then seen visiting the historic  Machane Yehuda Market, where she posed with platters of candy.

Great honor: President of the State of Israel, Shimon  Peres, welcomes the singer at his residence in Jerusalem

Sweet tooth: Paula embraces a display of colorful candy  at the Machane Yehuda Market on October 29