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    Exorcisms – Ask the Rabbi

    Q. Would a rabbi exorcise an evil spirit?

    exorcismA. A number of Jewish writers suggest means of eradicating or neutralising the power of evil spirits, e.g. by using light or noise to frighten the spirits away.

    But though some still believe in this approach, it is not normative Judaism, and the rabbis frequently warned against taking magical or superstitious beliefs seriously.

    The only interest they retain these days is to students of folklore and comparative psychology.

    If today a person was said to be possessed by a spirit it is highly improbable that a rabbi would attempt any form of exorcism. He would be more likely to recommend expert psychiatric treatment.

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