Although the play, The Dybbuk, by S. An-Ski was written in the early twentieth century and set in seventeenth century Eastern Europe, Jewish demon possession continues to be a phenomenon until today. In 1999 a Dybbuk exorcism was performed by a Rabbi in Dimona, Israel. It was broadcast on radio and also videotaped. Needless to say the religious establishment in Israel was perturbed. Later the woman who had allegedly been possessed claimed it was a sham; however, the exorcism apparently enhanced the reputation of the Rabbi who performed the ritual.
For some modern takes on Dybbuks, read The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman or the Dyke and the Dybbuk by Ellen Galford
-Andrea Kempf
