Do Jews Believe in Ghosts?

The idea of ghosts—spirits of the dead lingering around the living—can be found in cultures all over the world. But what about Judaism? Does our tradition believe in ghosts?

What the Torah Says

The Torah itself doesn’t explicitly talk about “ghosts” in the way we often think of them today (like see-through figures haunting dark places). However, it does discuss “neshamot” (souls) and their journeys. Jewish belief centers on the idea that each person has a soul, and after a person dies, their soul moves on to a spiritual existence. The Torah and other Jewish texts mention places like Sheol (often understood as a resting place for souls) and the idea of Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come), which both suggest that souls continue to exist even after the body is gone.

The Story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor

One of the closest stories to a “ghostly” encounter in Jewish tradition is the story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor in the Book of Samuel. King Saul consults a woman with spiritual powers to bring up the soul of the prophet Samuel. Samuel’s spirit appears and speaks to Saul, warning him of his fate. This story raises questions about whether the Torah acknowledges that people can connect with souls of the deceased.

However, the Torah generally prohibits these practices. Trying to connect with spirits of the dead—often called necromancy—is forbidden in Jewish law because it diverts from the idea of trusting in God alone. So, even though the story of Saul and Samuel might suggest that the Jewish tradition believes this is possible, it doesn’t mean it’s encouraged or even accepted as a standard practice.

Souls in Jewish Mysticism

Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, offers another perspective. According to Kabbalistic thought, souls sometimes have tasks or “tikkunim” (repairs) that they need to complete. Sometimes, souls may come back to fulfill a mission or provide guidance, or they may even become temporarily “stuck” because they have unresolved issues from their earthly life. This idea aligns more with what we might call “ghosts,” although it’s generally seen as a rare occurrence.

Dybbuks and Jewish Folklore

Another concept often discussed is the dybbuk. This is a soul that hasn’t found peace and is said to sometimes “attach” itself to a living person. Stories of dybbuks have been part of Jewish folklore for centuries, and there’s even a Jewish ritual for exorcising a dybbuk called “dybbuk-removal.” These stories are usually taken more as folklore, but they’re based on the mystical belief that souls can impact the living.

So, Does Judaism Believe in Ghosts?

The short answer: It’s complicated. Judaism doesn’t deny the possibility of souls lingering or having some effect on the living, but it also doesn’t focus on ghostly encounters as a core belief. Jewish teachings encourage us to focus on doing mitzvot (good deeds) and living meaningful lives here on Earth rather than getting too caught up in the idea of “ghosts.” Jewish tradition emphasizes respect for the dead and leaving the souls of our loved ones in God’s hands.

Lessons to Take Away

If you’re ever curious about what happens after someone dies or you wonder about spiritual encounters, it’s a chance to ask deeper questions about the soul and the purpose of life. Judaism teaches that each of us has a unique mission and that our souls are meant to leave a positive impact on the world.

In the end, whether you believe in ghosts or not, what truly matters is the legacy we build through our kindness, love, and connection to our heritage. Living a life with purpose and meaning is the ultimate “tikkun,” or repair, that we can bring to the world.