Dybbuk
The Possession, The Dybbuk, The Unborn, and Demon are just a few movies that depict Dybbuk. According to European Jewish folklore and Kabbalah, a Dybbuk is a dead spirit that attaches itself to a living person. The world itself is derived from Hebrew and means attachment. Adherents to Kabbalah believe that a person who is unable to fulfill their purpose in life has the opportunity to become a Dybbuk.
What Is A Dybbuk?
A Dybbuk is a dead person’s spirit that seeks out people who experience similar circumstances or challenges and attaches to that person’s body. The Jewish believe that Dybbuks escape from the Jewish purgatory, the Gehenna, or are simply turned away from the Gehenna due to severe transgressions. On the other hand, a good spirit might be able to possess a person. However, it would leave once its goal has been accomplished. As for the Dybbuk, it is evil in nature and does not leave the body that easily.
Although Jewish tradition involving good and evil spirits dates back to ancient times, Dybbuks became widespread in the sixteenth century in Jewish culture. S. Ansky, a Jewish playwright, even wrote the Yiddish play known as The Dybbuk in 1914. The story tells a tale of a young bride who becomes possessed by a Dybbuk during her wedding night. A ballet was composed by Leonard Bernstein based on the play by S. Ansky. Although the belief in Dybbuks has reduced over the years, there are still a few Jewish communities that believe that Dybbuks exist. Some rabbis can also help free individuals.
Ancient Background
The Old Testament does not tell many stories of evil spirits. However, the story of King Saul is famous wherein he was possessed by an evil spirit after losing support from God. Samuel mentioned that whenever the evil spirit came to Saul, David would simply play the harp, providing Saul relief. The evil spirit would abandon his body. Jesus of Nazareth is known for being a powerful healer who helped relieve people of evil spirits.
Talmudic and Kabbalistic Tradition
The best defense against evil spirits and demons is the observance of the Law. Jews would wear amulets for protection. Posting a mezuzah at the door also helped protect against evil spirits and read specific prayers like the Shema. Talmudic and kabbalistic tradition affirms the presence of good and evil spirits. It has been mentioned in the Talmud that the wicked are accompanied by Satan and the righteous by the angels. Only through observance of the Law is it possible to seek protection. Those engaged in sacred work are said to fear no evil power. In fact, priests can bless individuals and protect them against malign forces. Jewish law accepted demons as a fact. The demon Puta, also known as the Prince of Forgetfulness, can be overcome by drinking a cup of the Sabbath wine.
To deflect evil spirits, many prayers and rites were introduced. In the Kabbalah, various formulas were prescribed to deal with the actions of the dying person and impure thoughts. Amulets, prayers, and incantations offer protection. Women used to be banned from the cemetery as demons may get attracted to them and desire a sexual connection. The Shofar was blown at funerals for warding off evil spirits.
Eastern Europe
When we talk about the Dybbuk, the belief in the Dybbuk became widespread in much of Eastern Europe where Jews lived. The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries saw an increase in the reporting of the Dybbuks. Incantations were used for warding off the Dybbuk. Isaac Luria was a Kabbalist who popularized different methods for setting balance. The Dybbuk is not the same thing as a demon. It is neither a fallen angel. Baal Shem Tov produced amulets for protecting against Dybbuks. Only good spirits can act as a spiritual guide.
Dybukks are evil, and they peruse negative inclinations for causing harm to the host and leading them to commit sins. Their main purpose is to ensure that the living human being commits the same sins as them during their lifetime. To be tormented by a Dybbuk, the spirit and the body must not be fully connected. This is possible when mind-altering drugs are used or when one suffers from severe depression. Dybbuks that died alone would return to make others more miserable. For instance, if the spirit belonged to a heavy drinker, it would tempt the host to also become a habitual drunkard. Generally, Dybbuks attach themselves to gain satisfaction for the injustices they have experienced in the past.
The Hasidic Jewish community continue to believe in Dybbuk possessions and perform exorcisms. Anyone seeking help can turn to the community to get the help they desire. They will take you to the chief rabbi who can help you or your loved one. But, you will need to make sure that you are ready for the ceremony. Otherwise, it can feel overwhelming. You might be unable to break free from the Dybbuk, which will only continue to penetrate deeper into your body.