Q&A: Dybbuk
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Dybbuk
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Does the Rabbi think that a dybbuk is real in the commonly accepted sense (the religious one), or is it more an expression of a psychological or psychiatric phenomenon?
Answer
It is likely a psychiatric phenomenon. https://www.hamichlol.org.il/%D7%93%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A7
Discussion on Answer
There are some YouTube videos showing dybbuk-expulsion rituals. What do you think about that?
My view is that all these matters are very dubious. I have no way to check things directly, but I don’t put much trust in it.
What does the Rabbi think about the case described here by Dr. Richard Gallagher
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a34226478/dr-richard-gallagher-demonic-possession-expert-isnt-trying-to-convince-you/
He claims that the girl he treated levitated. I haven’t found evidence for that, and there are many skeptics.