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That evening at the temple, Boteach said he and Jackson wanted to help engender family love, and now we find them at Oxford.

Had this project come from anyone but Jackson, nobody would bat an eye. But he's had a major public image problem since 1993, when a 13-year-old boy accused him of sexually abusing him during a sleepover date. The allegations, which he always denied, devastated his once-pristine reputation. He canceled a tour, lost a promotional contract with Pepsi, and became even more reclusive.

Jackson settled out of court with the boy's family, reportedly for $20 million. And after the boy declined to testify in the criminal investigation, the matter was dropped. But Jackson has had a tough time shining his tarnished reputation.

Boteach says Jackson has already proven his commitment to charitable causes. "People will ultimately judge Jackson by his deeds," he said. "This is the man who gave us 'We Are The World' and has done so much."

The Superstar and Kosher Sex

While in Britain, Jackson is expected to attend the official book launch in London of Confessions of a Rabbi and a Psychic, a collection of letters between Boteach and Geller. The singer will also act as best man when Geller and his wife renew their wedding vows, a ceremony officiated by Boteach.

The story of how these three men became friends is as bizarre as the friendship itself.

Jackson and Geller met four years ago through Mohamed Al Fayed, the fabulously wealthy owner of Harrod's department store and father of Princess Diana's late boyfriend, Dodi Fayed.

Geller is known for demonstrating what he calls psychic abilities on TV. He stares at a spoon and it bends. Critics say it's nothing more than sleight-of-hand magic. "Imagine having psychic abilities and all you could do with it is ruin silverware," said paranormal investigator James Randi.

But Geller maintains what he does is real. He told The Wolf Files last year, "I use my powers for good." And he has thousands of believers — such as Al Fayed.