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American Midwest
The Dibbuk Box
A series of eerie events slowly unfolds when a wine cabinet sells at an estate sale in Oregon. It is soon sold and resold on eBay's Internet auction, and each new owner becomes desperate to get rid of the box along with the health problems, accidents, or death they claim came with it. Jason Haxton, the curator of a medical museum in a small Missouri town, learns of the mysterious cabinet and is intrigued by it as an artifact to be studied and researched. He places a bid on eBay and soon finds himself the proud owner of the Dibbuk Box. But as he carefully investigates and records everything he can about this unusual item said to be possessed by a Jewish spirit, Haxton discovers far more than he bargained for. In this true account, a dark story comes to light--a story that began at the time of the Holocaust and seems to have come full circle.
177 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 25, 2012
I saw this book mentioned in Entertainment Weekly in conjunction with an article about the movie "The Possession" that's coming out this fall. I was intrigued enough to request this book through interlibrary loan so I could read more about the haunted Dibbuk Box. However, I kind of wish I had not read the book because I have been left with an unsettled feeling ever since I finished reading it. I was very happy to give it back to the library today and have it out of my possession. I am creeped out enough that I plan on purifying every place I read it in my hom and in my car where I carried it to and from the library, just so I can get this weird feeling to leave me. I am not one to think that I may have picked up any negative energy just from reading a book but I guess I am open to the fact that since I immersed myself in the story of this box and it's creepy history I may have opened myself up to something unknown. Either eay, I want to err on the side of caution because what is discussed in this book about this box is not something I wish to deal with. However, the story was fascinating in how the author systematically breaks down all the parts to the story and come up with two plausible solutions: it's all a hoax or it's all true. And either eay the things that happened can not be explained too well.
December 4, 2012
Jason Haxton has a very regular life working as a curator for a medical museum in Kirksville. Jason’s life was about to change with a simple purchase from Ebay. Jason had good health, family, kids and a decent house. As a curator he liked to handle low maintenance workers and Brian was just such a worker. Brian also had a roommate named Joespeh who bought a really interesting item off EBay, the Dibbuk Box. The Dibbuk box contained a Kiddush cup, two octopus candle holders, locks of hair and an engraved stone with the word shalom etched into it. Somewhere on this wine cabinet which opened up when the bottom drawer was pulled was the “Shema” prayer. When Joseph bought this strange item bizarre things started happening. All of the sudden light bulbs would explode, odors of cat urine would reek through out the living space. People who owned this strange object began developing health problems.
At night the group from the museum thought to investigate the Dibbuk box on the EBay sight. A guy named Kevin Mannis put it up for sale. He claimed to have bought it from an estate sale from and elderly woman who died at age 103. He bought it for a low price and after his purchase he wanted to give it back but the grand daughter who ran the sale said that once he bought it that it was his. Kevin started experiencing all the strange happening. His mother had a stroke and his shop would get raided by the police forcing him to close down. The brother of a worker gets killed after knocking it over unintentionally.
Eventually Jason buys it on behalf of Michael Calhan who wants to use it as part of his magic show. Jason is stuck with it. Now plagued with dancing shadows, health problems and a family that wants non part of the box Jason is now plagued with numerous health problems that have no explanation. This prompts Jason to investigate the past of this mysterious box. All along Jason suspect that there was something that Kevin was leaving out of his narrative on EBay.
After several tried of connecting with Kevin Jason finally learns the back story. From the estate sale one of the great grandmothers summoned a spirit of a demon from the dark side into the winebox. Since it’s introduction into our realm of existence it has been responsible for numerous catastrophes that have effected the world. Jason still thinks something is amiss. There is some speculation that the box was from Kevin’s family.
Further investigation brings up different versions of the story, including that the Dibbuk box was a hoax. None the less it is invested with real power and although the spirit is summoned with Jewish magic called Kishuf, the author uses a Wiccan spell to contain it and finally traps it in an acacia box. All along the way he is helped by members of the occult community.
Readers you will find this a fast riveting read. I found it an intense roller coaster ride.
At night the group from the museum thought to investigate the Dibbuk box on the EBay sight. A guy named Kevin Mannis put it up for sale. He claimed to have bought it from an estate sale from and elderly woman who died at age 103. He bought it for a low price and after his purchase he wanted to give it back but the grand daughter who ran the sale said that once he bought it that it was his. Kevin started experiencing all the strange happening. His mother had a stroke and his shop would get raided by the police forcing him to close down. The brother of a worker gets killed after knocking it over unintentionally.
Eventually Jason buys it on behalf of Michael Calhan who wants to use it as part of his magic show. Jason is stuck with it. Now plagued with dancing shadows, health problems and a family that wants non part of the box Jason is now plagued with numerous health problems that have no explanation. This prompts Jason to investigate the past of this mysterious box. All along Jason suspect that there was something that Kevin was leaving out of his narrative on EBay.
After several tried of connecting with Kevin Jason finally learns the back story. From the estate sale one of the great grandmothers summoned a spirit of a demon from the dark side into the winebox. Since it’s introduction into our realm of existence it has been responsible for numerous catastrophes that have effected the world. Jason still thinks something is amiss. There is some speculation that the box was from Kevin’s family.
Further investigation brings up different versions of the story, including that the Dibbuk box was a hoax. None the less it is invested with real power and although the spirit is summoned with Jewish magic called Kishuf, the author uses a Wiccan spell to contain it and finally traps it in an acacia box. All along the way he is helped by members of the occult community.
Readers you will find this a fast riveting read. I found it an intense roller coaster ride.
August 28, 2012
This book was the oddest mix of dry, scholarly tone, and "He has got to be kidding, are we supposed to take THAT seriously?" It felt like two different people were writing it, or at least as though the author was crazily torn between empirical evidence and supernatural beliefs. But for the most part, it made for an interesting read. Not what I'd call horror, but interesting. I have to say, the most interesting part for me was learning about the American Eugenics Movement and Harry Laughlin. I've always found America's policy of sitting back and watching millions of people dying during WWII abhorrent, but the thought that an American might have actually...influenced?...inspired?...the Nuremberg Laws? Shudder. Maybe it was a horror story after all.
August 18, 2012
I realize that my shelf listing for this book is contradictory, however, you'd really have to read it to understand why.
It was a fascinating read. A journal of human nature. How expectations can influence experiences and life decision.
Made me think. Not at all what I was expecting.
It was a fascinating read. A journal of human nature. How expectations can influence experiences and life decision.
Made me think. Not at all what I was expecting.
August 29, 2012
Dear Jason Haxton,
When I heard about the movie based on an LA Times article about your box, it was with such great pleasure to get back in touch with you. I am thrilled I was a part of that early group of online folks who tried to help you with your problems with the box. Now that we've reconnected, I was eager to read your book.
So much of it came back to me - the eBay auctions and the weird things that happened to you and people around you. Then it was fun to catch up on what had happened since then.
You answered all my questions! You write well, and keep the story flowing.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I can't wait to see the movie, either!
Much affection,
Your biggest fan
When I heard about the movie based on an LA Times article about your box, it was with such great pleasure to get back in touch with you. I am thrilled I was a part of that early group of online folks who tried to help you with your problems with the box. Now that we've reconnected, I was eager to read your book.
So much of it came back to me - the eBay auctions and the weird things that happened to you and people around you. Then it was fun to catch up on what had happened since then.
You answered all my questions! You write well, and keep the story flowing.
I highly recommend this book to everyone!
I can't wait to see the movie, either!
Much affection,
Your biggest fan
August 19, 2012
While I am not one who picks up a lot of non-fiction books to read, this one really intrigued me. I have to say that once I started reading it I really couldn't stop. The story is about a wine cabinet that was used to store the wine and cup for Jewish sabbath ceremonies. The box may or may not be haunted, even after finishing the book I'm not entirely sure what I believe about the box but the story is engrossing. I enjoyed Jason Haxton's narrative and did actually have to do some research myself on eugenics which may mean that the box did it's job by focusing others on the horror of the eugenics movement in American history.
August 9, 2012
I liked this book, don't get me wrong. Their are some parts of the story that feel very exaggerated or coincidental, but the author is very upfront in the beginning that in his investigation about the box there are alot of inconsistencies. Basically saying decide for yourself on the info he gives. It' was a good read and lil creepy at times.
October 7, 2012
I didn't even finish the book. Every since I started reading it from the first week I have had non stop horrible luck with EVERYTHING. I am trying not to be a superstitious person however, everyday I had this book....something bad happened, some days multiple things that like never happens, happened. I'm done. Bunch of bad luck attached to that thing.
June 4, 2014
I'm a skeptic but I also love folklore. I remember the story of the Dibbuk Box blowing up on my social media. I decided to buy the eBook when I got a Nook since it was cheaper than buying the physical copy.
I liked the spookiness of the story. Jason Haxton isn't a bad writer and he describes the spooky events well.
I don't want to give this more than three stars, though, because I expected more from Haxton. He's the director of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. I expected more scientific details that are lacking in the story, a story that he claims he wants to understand. The box came with two locks of hair. Why not have them tested, at least to see if they're natural or synthetic? I was also disappointed with Haxton's misunderstanding of the nature of a dybbuk. A dybbuk is the spirit of a deceased person who committed a serious sin in life. They're rejected from Gehanna, a destination for the wicked, and are pursued by angels for punishment. They seek to possess humans to end their torment and will choose a person of weak faith. The implication is that the possessed left themselves open for possession. It's not like a genie or a demon, but Haxton's writes about whatever resides/resided in the box as if it's a combination of the two concepts. He also compares it to a golem, particularly the Golem of Prague that was created to protect the Jews from the anti-Semitic laws of the time. But the Golem was created as an original spirit, it wasn't the spirit of someone who was deceased, and it was summoned as a protector. Whatever resides in the Dibbuk Box hasn't protected anyone.
Mostly, I'm disappointed how lightly Kevin Mannis gets treated in this book. He's the person that initially listed the box for sale on eBay, he created the first narrative of the Dibbuk Box. There are also multiple people accusing him of committing a fraud. Mr. Mannis alleges he got the box at the estate sale of an elderly Holocaust survivor. He won't give Mr. Haxton her correct surname to track her down and there aren't any obituaries for a 103-year-old Holocaust survivors. This just raises so many red flags. Mr. Mannis did have a 103-year-old grandmother he died before the Dibbuk Box surfaced, and people claim he received the box from her possessions and just filled it with strange objects. I want to know why Mr. Mannis committed this fraud and what he thought he'd accomplish.
This story is interesting if you like spooky folklore but don't expect any definitive answers. Overall, it was short and somewhat sloppy but the chapter about the dybbuk in Jewish folklore by Professor Howard Schwartz makes it worthwhile.
I liked the spookiness of the story. Jason Haxton isn't a bad writer and he describes the spooky events well.
I don't want to give this more than three stars, though, because I expected more from Haxton. He's the director of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. I expected more scientific details that are lacking in the story, a story that he claims he wants to understand. The box came with two locks of hair. Why not have them tested, at least to see if they're natural or synthetic? I was also disappointed with Haxton's misunderstanding of the nature of a dybbuk. A dybbuk is the spirit of a deceased person who committed a serious sin in life. They're rejected from Gehanna, a destination for the wicked, and are pursued by angels for punishment. They seek to possess humans to end their torment and will choose a person of weak faith. The implication is that the possessed left themselves open for possession. It's not like a genie or a demon, but Haxton's writes about whatever resides/resided in the box as if it's a combination of the two concepts. He also compares it to a golem, particularly the Golem of Prague that was created to protect the Jews from the anti-Semitic laws of the time. But the Golem was created as an original spirit, it wasn't the spirit of someone who was deceased, and it was summoned as a protector. Whatever resides in the Dibbuk Box hasn't protected anyone.
Mostly, I'm disappointed how lightly Kevin Mannis gets treated in this book. He's the person that initially listed the box for sale on eBay, he created the first narrative of the Dibbuk Box. There are also multiple people accusing him of committing a fraud. Mr. Mannis alleges he got the box at the estate sale of an elderly Holocaust survivor. He won't give Mr. Haxton her correct surname to track her down and there aren't any obituaries for a 103-year-old Holocaust survivors. This just raises so many red flags. Mr. Mannis did have a 103-year-old grandmother he died before the Dibbuk Box surfaced, and people claim he received the box from her possessions and just filled it with strange objects. I want to know why Mr. Mannis committed this fraud and what he thought he'd accomplish.
This story is interesting if you like spooky folklore but don't expect any definitive answers. Overall, it was short and somewhat sloppy but the chapter about the dybbuk in Jewish folklore by Professor Howard Schwartz makes it worthwhile.
June 17, 2013
WOW! I can't believe that I read this. It was very frustrating to still be in the dark and realize that it all was most likely a hoax to make money. I guess it does teach that if you believe in something enough it can affect you in ways you didn't expect. The book is really nothing like the movie "The Possession", so don't expect to think of the movie while reading. I am really baffled that so many bought into this...just call me "Chump". Thankfully I got the book at the library so at least I didn't pay to read it!
June 19, 2019
Eh. It seems like the author is really given to the power of suggestion. The whole story is a little 'Skeleton Keyish" for me. Plus his writing is somewhat lacking. I dislike how he writes from a 'here and now' perspective, like the reader is having a conversation with him, but then uses journal entries to tell whole chapters. It's probably just a me thing. Good campfire tale though for sure. If it is truly evil, I'm glad Zak Bagens owns it now.
March 4, 2022
Careful reading this book. The myths behind it show that sometimes the evilness of the box can bleed into your own world. The story is scary, if true, and enthralling. It has been several years since I read it but it is one that I would risk the wrath of evil spirits to do. Mysterious Universe (podcast) does a great interview many years ago regarding the owner of the box. Give that a listen and then read the story.
July 1, 2019
Three and a half stars really.
The beginning was pretty slow going and hard for me to get into - not a good sign for such a short book. However, chapters 7-10 were riveting. If the whole thing had been as good as those 4 chapters, it would have been phenomenal.
The beginning was pretty slow going and hard for me to get into - not a good sign for such a short book. However, chapters 7-10 were riveting. If the whole thing had been as good as those 4 chapters, it would have been phenomenal.
March 3, 2021
Quizzical 🤨 🤔....
January 16, 2023
Weird and made me uncomfortable.
September 10, 2012
Thought I would add this book since the release of the movie "Possession." This is the "real" story of the box from that movie. There is real Dibbuk box and I know (from the same town/my sister knows him very well) the author who owns the real box. This is HIS story of how he came to own it, how it affected him and where he thinks it came from. It starts out damn creepy. Really, I found even having the book near my bed at night sort of wigged me out. But towards the end of the book you feel like the author is trying to tell you that the box and all its stories are about 80% bunk. Even he leaves the story of its origins up for interpretation because he can't find any two stories that jive. There are even people he quotes as saying the whole thing was made up by them as a joke. Anyway, the movie says its based on true events, but hardly 2% of the movie is anything like the book. Read it as some background material for the movie or if you just want something a bit creepy, but don't expect a TRUE story of child possession because it didn't happen.
October 19, 2013
It was ... okay. I think I was looking for more "story" and got more "research" out of the book. Don't get me wrong, I loved the research aspect of it, but it seemed only to touch lightly on the different aspects of Jewish Mysticism.
Maybe it's because I saw the movie 'The Possession' prior to reading the book. The movie is entirely fictionalized, but I found myself wanting more of the story behind the box, behind how they trapped the demon (which is never named in the book). If that's the story you want, then this is NOT the right book for you.
Maybe it's because I saw the movie 'The Possession' prior to reading the book. The movie is entirely fictionalized, but I found myself wanting more of the story behind the box, behind how they trapped the demon (which is never named in the book). If that's the story you want, then this is NOT the right book for you.
August 16, 2012
Decent, but it starts to lose steam at the end. Otherwise, an interesting account of the story of the dibbuk box - if you have read the internet stories and wanted more, then this is how you would get that more.
The upcoming movie Possession is said to be based on this, but it is VERY loosely based on it, judging by the trailers. The movie basically only takes the existence of the box and makes a different story around it.
The upcoming movie Possession is said to be based on this, but it is VERY loosely based on it, judging by the trailers. The movie basically only takes the existence of the box and makes a different story around it.
January 31, 2013
I'm only giving this one 3 stars because I don't have the option of 2.5. It was ok. The story and mystery of the Dibbuk Box drew me in and I was fascinated reading all about it. The closer I got to the end, the more the story started unraveling for me. I was a little disappointed in how things came full circle but it was a decent read. The author did a good job telling the story and investigating this mystery.
August 2, 2013
Such a great read, I couldn't put it down! I would recommend this to paranormal lovers and skeptics alike. The book goes by the assumption that this it's all fake, making it that much more enjoyable to read about the spooky things that happen!
April 22, 2015
Not what I expected.
I can't believe I fell for the hype and paid $8.99 for this story that was supposedly based on true events. The story completed deflated by the end and the afterward totally killed whatever realism was left. Disappointing waste of time, sorry Jason Haxton.
I can't believe I fell for the hype and paid $8.99 for this story that was supposedly based on true events. The story completed deflated by the end and the afterward totally killed whatever realism was left. Disappointing waste of time, sorry Jason Haxton.
January 18, 2012
The story is interesting and gripping, definitely something that will stay with me.
December 3, 2013
So far so good. Creepy... makes me not want to buy anything on E-bay or at estate sales in Portland, Oregon
July 30, 2012
This book is the true story, and basis to the movie "The Posession", coming out August 31. If you like supernatural tales, give this one a read!
September 14, 2012
A little long winded
July 7, 2014
It started out really good....
October 2, 2012
It was a rapid read at first... but grew stagnant towards the middle and left me uninterested by the end.
September 18, 2012
This wasn't what I was expecting but I still liked it up until about Chapter 9. Then it became more about his research and less about the supernatural power of the box.
November 3, 2014
Surprisingly informative from a historical viewpoint, and very well balanced.
October 29, 2016
Fascinating! What's the truth behind the box? The most horrifying part is the chapter talking about Harry Laughlin!
DO NOT READ BEFORE BEDTIME!
DO NOT READ BEFORE BEDTIME!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews