Dreams: A Glimpse into Prophecy
A daily teaching by Rabbi Ronen Haziza as part of the "At Least 5 Minutes of Torah a Day" initiative. Sunday, 20th of Sivan (June 26).
- הרב רונן חזיזה
- פורסם כ"ט אייר התשע"ו

#VALUE!
The Mystical Connection Between Dreams and Prophecy
A. Our sages tell us that a dream is one-sixtieth of prophecy. However, it is important to recognize that not all dreams are truthful. There are many nuances and explanations. The general rule is: most dreams are not genuine but arise from an overflow of thoughts or similar reasons. Therefore, one should not be alarmed or alarm others because of a dream. Yet, as with any rule, there are exceptions, and some dreams are indeed true. If a dream is good, there is no problem. But if it hints at something bad, it should be nullified and improved so that it doesn't come to fruition.
B. Therefore, if someone dreams a dream that leaves them feeling very unsettled, they should go to three friends and perform the "dream amelioration" ritual. This formula is found in the prayer books. The dreamer tells them: "Chalmah tava chazai" (I dreamed a good dream), and they reply, ensuring the dream is good, and will be fulfilled for good by Hashem. They recite verses which speak of turning bad into good.
C. If such a dream occurs on Shabbat night, it is permitted to perform the dream amelioration on Shabbat.
D. If the amelioration does not relieve their distress, and they still feel sad and worried, they should fast for one day, even on Shabbat. The power of a "dream fast" is very great; it completely annuls the bad dream and transforms it into a blessing. However, because there are various details involved, they should first consult a wise scholar to ensure fasting is appropriate and learn how to perform it.
E. The fast that effectively annuls a dream must be done on the same day. In other words, immediately upon waking in the morning, one should neither eat nor drink until nightfall.
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King Solomon: The Wisest of All
"In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death." (Proverbs 12:28)
If you asked someone on the street: "Do you think it's possible for someone to be immune to death, to be 'no death'?" The answer would be clear: "No!" However, according to King Solomon, the verse offers another answer: There is a path where one becomes 'no death.' What is it? The path of righteousness! One who walks in the way of righteousness will find life, and in the road of righteousness, one becomes 'no death.' But how can that be? Isn’t everyone destined to die? The answer is: Hashem assigns a lifespan to each person upon entering the world. Yet, throughout life, a person may sin and damage their ways, prompting the divine to send the Angel of Death prematurely, via accident or illness, God forbid. Who can withstand the Angel's approach? King Solomon says: On the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death—if you are connected to the mitzvah of righteousness, if you walk the righteous path, you are immune to the Angel of Death. And even if one's last day arrives, if Hashem sees their unwavering commitment to righteousness, the Angel is commanded to leave them, granting more years. We encounter this link between righteousness and life in other verses like: “He who pursues righteousness will find life, righteousness, and honor" (Proverbs 21), "Wealth gained by wickedness won't help, and righteousness delivers from death" (Proverbs 10), and many others. Therefore, dear Jews, adhere to the mitzvah of righteousness, and live long days!