Ghosts: Ghosts in Judaism

Ghosts can be found within religion and Judaism.

Judaism holds the traditional view that ghosts exist, but should not be consulted. The Hebrew word for ghost is ovoth, but a more profound word for ghost is dybbuk . A dybbuk is a wandering soul that can possess or

attach to a living person, in an attempt to control the body and actions to do their will. The word means "to cling" or "cleave," and amazingly is not always viewed as a bad thing to have. Judaism believes not only ghosts can cling, but also spirit guides who assist those on earth will do so for a time.

Judaism does not teach demon possession, but possession by ghosts as being possible. This state

of becoming ghost possessed is typically thought to be sought out by ghosts who are suffering from unfinished earthly business. Ghosts are believed to be drawn to people who have similar desires, and suffering negatively,

leaving their body and soul somewhat in dis-union, and making it possible for the ghost to possess the host's body.

Many are not aware that ghost attachment and possession is in the Old Testament. Two occurrences are found in I Samuel 18:10, where King Saul is vexed by a bad spirit; and I Kings 22:20-23 where the prophets are possessed by the lying spirit of a man to trick the King into war.

Judaism even practices exorcism through ritual ministered by a rabbi experienced in practical Kabbalah. Through blowing of a shofar or trumpet, it is believed the sound will help separate the ghost from the person's body, enough at least whereby communication with the ghost can take place. The Jewish ritual is designed to eventually help the ghost feel safe, and help the ghost with whatever business that had been left incomplete. In this light, exorcism in Judaism seeks not only to heal the possessed, but to also aid the ghost that is doing the possessing.