Understanding Dibbuks in Jewish Mythology and Folklore

Dibbuks (Hebrew: דיבוק, plural: dibbukim) is a term used in Jewish mythology and folklore to refer to a type of spirit or entity that is believed to be capable of possessing and influencing the thoughts and actions of living beings.

In some traditions, dibbuks are considered to be the disembodied souls of the dead who have not been able to move on to the afterlife, often due to unfinished business or unresolved issues in their lives. These spirits are believed to seek out hosts in the living world, taking possession of their bodies and influencing their thoughts and actions.

In other traditions, dibbuks are seen as malevolent entities that can bring harm and misfortune to those they possess. They may be believed to cause illness, madness, or other forms of suffering in their hosts.

The concept of dibbuks is often associated with the idea of demonic possession, and some scholars believe that the belief in dibbuks may have influenced the development of Christian ideas about demonic possession and exorcism. However, it's important to note that not all Jewish traditions believe in the existence of dibbuks, and the concept is not universally accepted within Judaism.