Thanks in large part to S. Ansky’s famous play The Dybbuk, demons known as dibbukim—from the word meaning to cleave or stick to something—have become the best-known supernatural beings in Jewish lore. According to Morris Faierstein, the first case of supposed possession by a dybbuk occurred in the Galilean city of Safed, then the epicenter of Jewish mysticism, in 1571, and involved the renowned kabbalist Isaac Luria (a/k/a the Arizal). Faierstein, in conversation with Nachi Weinstein, delves into the history of the idea of dybbuk possession, its connection to beliefs about reincarnation, its possible ancient origins, and an instance of interfaith exorcism involving a dybbuk and a jinn. (Audio, 82 minutes.)

Considering the current state of Israel-Arab relations, Ghaith al-Omari writes

First and foremost, no ceasefire will be possible without the release of Israeli hostages and commitments to disarm Hamas and remove it from power. The final say on these matters rests with Hamas commanders on the ground in Gaza, who have been largely impervious to foreign pressure so far. At minimum, however, the United States should insist that Qatari and Egyptian mediators push Hamas’s external leadership to accept these conditions publicly, which could increase pressure on the group’s Gaza leadership.

Washington should also demand a clear, public position from key Arab states regarding disarmament. The Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas endorsed this position in a June letter to Saudi Arabia and France, giving Arab states Palestinian cover for endorsing it themselves.

Some Arab states have already indicated a willingness to play a significant role, but they will have little incentive to commit resources and personnel to Gaza unless Israel (1) provides guarantees that it will not occupy the Strip indefinitely, and (2) removes its veto on a PA role in Gaza’s future, even if only symbolic at first. Arab officials are also seeking assurances that any role they play in Gaza will be in the context of a wider effort to reach a two-state solution.

On the other hand, Washington must remain mindful that current conditions between Israel and the Palestinians are not remotely conducive to . . . implementing a two-state solution.