- Dybuk and Angel
The word “Dybuk” is derived from Hebrew meaning “attachment”. The Dybuk is the soul of an aberrant dead person who has been unable to fulfill its function during its lifetime. It attaches itself to the flesh of a living body, thus being given another opportunity to live. The Dybuk supposedly leaves the host body once it has accomplished its goal.
The Angel, unlike the Dybuk, is a ‘messenger of God’, descended to guide good people toward righteousness.
In the painting, the little boy tries to draw the attention of the groom that the Dybuk is about to descend from the holy canopy of matrimony to enter the flesh of the chaste bride. The angel attempts to thwart this from happening, but has come too late.
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