Dreams, Sleep, and the Journey of the Soul

Dreams are said to be one-sixtieth of prophecy according to the sages, with Gabriel the angel serving as a conduit for these visions. Yet, dreams can be a mixed bag of truth and deception as they pass through spiritual barriers, leading to the need for discernment and positive interpretation.

This dream journey begins when we lie down at night and our souls leave our bodies. In that subliminal state, souls are informed by Gabriel, revealing insights based on one's inner thoughts and desires. These revelations urge us to reflect and return to a righteous path.

Personal traits significantly influence dream revelations. Often, they stem from one's daily musings, while pure souls, like those of truly righteous individuals, receive truthful dreams directly from higher realms, unmarred by falsehoods.

Dream Messengers and Mischief

A person's spiritual state can be compromised by careless or sinful behaviors, inviting negative spiritual forces. These forces can become active during sleep, misleading and even causing spiritual impurities, which obstruct the soul’s ascent. However, the souls of the truly devout manage to ascend and witness the divine realm without hindrance.

Sacred Nocturnal Journeys

When pure souls ascend, especially those of righteous individuals, they travel to high places like the symbolic 'Mount of Hashem,' reflecting the holiness seen in physical temples. During these divine encounters, souls contribute to the spiritual harmony and preparations for spiritual unity.

Self-Examination Before Sleep

Taking a nightly account of one's actions is essential, mirroring a confessional practice similar to that before death. Sleep is a small taste of death, prompting the need for reflection and repentance to settle the day's accounts, strengthening one's spiritual health and preparedness.

The Return of the Soul

Every morning, our souls are returned to us, a daily renewal of life’s gift by Hashem. As the night progresses, divine processes expel impurity, allowing angels to herald a new day with announcements, calling us to awaken and reconnect with our spiritual paths.

For some, the soul’s nightly travels result in dreams filled with spiritual teachings or, conversely, experiences stemming from one’s negative actions. Recognizing these during dreams indicates the soul's current spiritual affiliation.