The Dybbuk - Its Origins and History

The Dybbuk is the first comprehensive study of the historical and kabbalistic sources of the dybbuk phenomenon, from the first recorded case of dybbuk possession in Safed in 1571 onward. Dybbuk possession differs from possession by demons or Satan. Its origin is in the Kabbalistic concept of gilgul (transmigration) for sins that are so grievous that Gehenna is not sufficient punishment, and the soul must therefore wander until expiation is found. The dybbuk can temporarily find refuge in animals or people and can only be exorcised by a Baal Shem, a great kabbalist or expert in Jewish magic. In addition to describing the history and evolution of this concept, The Dybbuk includes English translations of all dybbuk stories discussed in the book, many translated for the first time.

About the author

Morris M. Faierstein is an independent scholar. His previous books include Jewish Mystical Autobiographies: Book of Visions and Book of Secrets and The Early Modern Yiddish Bible: From the Mirkevet ha-Mishneh to Blitz and Witzenhausen.

Product details

• Authors: Morris M. Faierstein, Faierstein Morris M.
• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 02.12.2024
• EAN: 9781438497969
• ISBN: 978-1-4384-9796-9
• No. of pages: 239
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 25 mm
• Series: SUNY series in Western Esoteric Traditions
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Judaism; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Folklore & Mythology, Social & cultural history, HISTORY / Jewish, RELIGION / Judaism / History, RELIGION / Judaism / Kabbalah & Mysticism, LITERARY CRITICISM / Jewish, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Jewish Studies, History of Religion, Jewish Studies, Folklore, myths & legends, Judaism, Literature: history & criticism, Social and cultural history, Literature: history and criticism, Relating to Jewish people and groups, Social groups: religious groups and communities, Kabbalah: Popular Works, Folklore studies / Study of myth (mythology)