The Dybbuk of Mazel Tov IV

by Robert Silverberg

 
 
Form
Short story
Year
1974

Publication history

Blurb

(None on file)

Comments

The planet known as New Israel, or Mazel Tov IV, was colonized by two groups of Jews (reformed and Hasidic) fleeing certain destruction on Earth. They coexist with the centaur-like natives peacefully for many years until something unexplainable happens: the spirit of a dead Jew appears in the body of a native, much like the dybbuk of Jewish folklore. The natives are not terribly surprised—this sort of thing happens to them from time to time—but their exorcism ceremony doesn't work this time. The Hasidim come to the rescue, however, and the ceremony is so successful that the natives want to convert. One of Silverberg's religious-themed stories, this one quite amusing, though not critical or condescending to any parties concerned. Also note that no effort is made to explain the possession scientifically.

Other resources

(None on file)