Are Dreams Spiritual Messages? A Jewish Guide to Understanding Your Night Dreams

My brother passed away in 2006. I was very close to him, but he has never come to me in a dream. My aunt, however, dreams of him standing at the edge of her bed without speaking. Why don’t I dream of him? What does my aunt’s dream mean?

Today it is very rare for a departed soul to appear in a dream as a true revelation. Most dreams come from imagination and subconscious thoughts. You should not be concerned that your brother does not appear in your dreams — this has no negative meaning.

If you want to elevate his soul, the best things you can do are:

• Have Kaddish recited,

• Learn Mishnah in his merit,

• Give charity (tzedakah) for the elevation of his soul.

These are the essential spiritual gifts every soul needs, regardless of their spiritual level.

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Is it possible that God tests a person in a dream — for example, to see whether he helps someone in distress, avoids temptation, etc.?

A person who has purified himself so deeply that even his instincts are refined will express this purity even in dreams. If someone never fails even in a dream, it is a sign of great spiritual elevation — similar to David Hamelech's words, “My heart is empty within me,” meaning that he had conquered his evil inclination.

Rather than a test from God, this serves as a self-assessment. If a person fails in dreams, it indicates work still needed in real life.

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When someone sees a deceased relative in a dream, is it truly the soul visiting, or just the subconscious?

Sometimes the soul does come to convey a message or request something. However, many such dreams are simply reflections of the heart and thoughts, but not true encounters.

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For two weeks I’ve had terrible dreams every night, often based on my fear of being 30 with no relationship. Do these dreams mean someone will soon enter my life? Why do I dream these nightmares repeatedly?

Recite Shema before bed, and ask God to protect you from bad dreams. This practice helps calm the mind and brings spiritual protection.

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My sister died in an accident five years ago. I want her to appear in my dreams. Is there something I can do?

It is actually good that she does not appear. This is usually a sign that her soul has reached its rightful place in the World of Truth, and should not be disturbed.

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I’m in my ninth month of pregnancy. I dreamed that my mother gave birth to a son from my father, who passed away 13 years ago — symbolizing his desire for continuity. I understood this in the dream but want another opinion.

A dream interpreted within the dream itself is considered a true dream. If you felt the interpretation in the dream, this is indeed its meaning.

However, if your father passed away before age 60, Jewish tradition teaches that you should add a name to your baby before his name.

Wishing you an easy birth and much joy.

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For two weeks I dream constantly about dogs — chasing, biting, entering my home, etc. What does it mean?

Upon waking, say the verse: “And to all the Children of Israel, no dog sharpened its tongue.”

Possible meanings (from classical sources):

• Dogs running → people are speaking gossip about you.

• Playing with dogs → enemies will come to like you.

• Barking dogs → enemies’ plans will succeed.

• Dog barking behind you → enemies ambush you.

• Dog bite → enemies will overpower you.

• Pulling a dog → you will overcome enemies.

• Rising above a dog → victory.

• Eating dog meat → the enemy disappears.

• A dog dying → stopping an enemy.

However, these meanings apply only when you do not have a dog at home. If you do have one, dog-dreams carry no meaning.

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I had a very clear dream on Shabbat morning. Is there a way to help it come true?

During Birkat Kohanim in Shacharit, say the traditional “Ribbono Shel Olam” dream-prayer with deep intention, asking that the dream be fulfilled for good.

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I dreamed that my molar fell out with terrible pain. I know this can symbolize death. What can I do?

Traditionally, a falling tooth in a dream is considered a bad omen.
You should speak with someone — preferably a rabbi, who will interpret the dream for good, because dreams follow their interpretation. If someone who loves you interprets it positively, the outcome becomes positive.