How to Turn a Nightmare into a Good Dream?

"Dreams are but idle talk," said our Sages, yet in Judaism, it is acknowledged that some dreams may contain a kernel of truth. There are real dreams, false ones, and those stemming from one's own thoughts. However, remember that each case is unique.

But it's important to know that Judaism has a concept called "Hakamat Chalom," a process meant to heal the wounds left by a particularly bad dream. How exactly is it done? How can a specific process change the outcome of a dream, assuming it has some prophetic nature? And why does it matter who interprets your dream?

Who Can Turn a Bad Dream into a Good One?

"If someone dreams a dream and feels uneasy, our Sages in the Talmud prescribed a formula to be recited during the Priestly Blessing. The formula is in the prayer books. It is a prayer that will change the dream for the better," explains Rabbi Pinchas Bidush. "But if a person dreams a negative dream and feels bad about it, like dreams that are known to not bode well, for example, dreaming of teeth falling out - in such cases, three people come together, the dreamer recites a formula, and they respond in turn. It only takes a few minutes. The dreamer gives money to charity - and that resolves it. There are also very difficult dreams that recur, which may require even a fasting for a day. A person who dreams a distressing dream on Shabbat night can fast even on Shabbat itself, although generally fasting on Shabbat is prohibited. Nowadays, when such dreams occur – some have the custom to redeem the fast with money, giving to charity an amount equivalent to three meals."

And What About Dream Interpretation?
"There are people who seek an interpretation for their dream, and it's important to know that even when seeking it, one must go to a wise person who knows how to interpret dreams positively. The Talmud states that dreams follow the mouth. That is, as they interpret for you - so it will be. Therefore, one should seek out a beloved person who can transform the dream positively and, of course, provide an interpretation that aligns with the dream."

And If I Went to Someone Who Interpreted It Negatively?
"According to the Talmud, it could cause great harm and lead to negative outcomes. There is a story in the Talmud about Abaye and Rava, who went to a dream interpreter. They had the same dream - one was given a positive interpretation, the other a negative one because the latter did not pay for the service, and indeed, the interpretations came true. Therefore, it's best not to seek an interpretation unless you are certain the interpretation will be good."Do Dream Books That Explain Symbols Like Snakes, Teeth, and Tefillin Hold Truth?

"It depends on their source. If the author has endorsements from great rabbis and the source is from the words of our Sages, then yes, but it's not advisable to fully rely on them. They can be consulted generally."

How Does the Formula Recited During the Priestly Blessing Work, and What Does It Achieve?
"It works such that if the dream is not good, it turns it into a good one. During the Priestly Blessing, there is blessing and abundance, so we use this time to transform the curse into a blessing. We also conclude together with the priests, so that everyone says Amen for both the conclusion and their blessing."

What If I Am a Kohen Myself, How Do I Perform Hakamat Chalom?
"After the prayer, the Kohen can join another quorum or contemplate it during the blessing."

"Dreams are divided into several types," expands Rabbi Yitzhak Gabai. "Because some types of dreams symbolize something real for the dreamer, it is appropriate to perform Hakamat Chalom for a bad dream. That is, if someone dreams something negative and becomes anxious, to be at ease - they can perform Hakamat Chalom. Incidentally, the Chazon Ish never performed Hakamat Chalom despite having bad dreams, as he claimed that all dreams stem from a person's thoughts and do not symbolize something that will materialize.

"If Hakamat Chalom is performed, it's best to do it in the morning, to prevent the dream from materializing during the day, but it can be done throughout the day. It should be done in the presence of three beloved ones, as a type of court. These three people must be close to the dreamer because if they later mention to someone else that it was a bad dream - the mere act of them expressing it could potentially influence reality. Therefore, it's crucial that they are beloved ones - they can also be family members, and it's even preferred. Some also observe fasting. If the dream is very disturbing and they are concerned, there's a concept called a fast for a dream - the day following the dream the person fasts throughout the day. The fast atones for them and removes all ominous signs that might occur, and it is permitted to fast for a dream even on Shabbat, although generally fasting on Shabbat is prohibited. Then on a weekday – they must fast for atonement for having fasted on Shabbat."

Below is the formula to be recited during the Priestly Blessing:  "Master of the Universe, I am Yours and my dreams are Yours. I dreamt a dream and I do not know what it means, whether I dreamt it for myself or others dreamt it for me. If they are good, strengthen and uphold them like the dreams of Joseph the righteous. And if they need healing, heal them like the bitter waters healed by Moses our teacher of blessed memory, and like the waters of Jericho healed by Elisha, like Miriam from her leprosy, and Naaman from his leprosy, and like Hezekiah from his illness. And just as You turned the curse of the wicked Bilaam into a blessing, so too turn all my dreams upon me and upon all Israel to good. And accept us in Your abundant mercy. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You, Hashem, my Rock and my Redeemer."