Bad Dreams in Judaism: How to Transform a Negative Dream into a Blessing

“Our sages said: ‘Dreams speak falsehoods.’ Alongside this statement however, Judaism acknowledges that some dreams contain a spark of truth. Some dreams are genuine, some are false, and others are simply reflections of one’s thoughts and emotions. In any case, every dream must be understood in its own context.

Still, Judaism teaches about a concept called “Hatavat Chalom” — the rectification of a bad dream — a spiritual process intended to reverse the negative effects of a troubling dream. How does it work? Can a ritual really change the outcome of a prophetic dream? Does it matter who interprets it for you?

Who Can Turn a Bad Dream into a Good One?

Rabbi Pinchas Badush explains: “If someone wakes from a disturbing dream, our sages prescribed a special prayer to be said during the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing). The text is printed in the siddur. It’s a heartfelt prayer asking God to transform the dream for good.”

He continues: “If the dream is particularly bad — such as classic examples like dreaming your teeth fall out, then three friends should sit with the dreamer. The person recites a short text, and they respond line by line. The process takes only a few minutes, followed by giving charity. For especially distressing recurring dreams, one may even fast for a day — known as a Ta’anit Chalom (fast of a dream). Even on Shabbat, when fasting is normally forbidden, one may fast in this case, though today many instead redeem the fast with charity equivalent to three meals.”

The Power of Interpretation

“Some people seek dream interpretations,” explains Rabbi Badush, “but it’s crucial to go to a wise and positive person who knows how to interpret for good. The Talmud says: ‘All dreams follow the mouth,’ meaning that the interpretation you hear can influence the outcome. Therefore, go only to someone who will frame it positively.”

If someone provided a negative interpretation, the Talmud warns that such an interpretation can actually cause harm, and that it may even come true. There’s a story of Abaye and Rava, who both went to the same dream interpreter. They had identical dreams — one paid him and received a good interpretation, the other didn’t pay and was told something bad, and both outcomes were fulfilled. It is therefore better not to seek an interpretation unless you trust it will be for good.”

What About “Dream Dictionaries”?

“It depends on their source,” says Rabbi Badush. “If the author’s teachings are based on authentic rabbinic texts and have the approval of great rabbis, you may consult them for general understanding. But don’t rely on them as absolute truth.”

How Does the “Hatavat Chalom” Work?

“During Birkat Kohanim, a special flow of blessing descends into the world. This is the ideal time to transform any negative spiritual influence. The person recites the prayer quietly, asking that the dream turn for good, and completes the prayer together with the Kohanim, so that everyone responds ‘Amen’ together.”

If the dreamer is a Kohen himself, “He can join another minyan afterward, or simply meditate on the words while giving the blessing.”

Rabbi Yitzchak Gabay Adds: “Dreams fall into several categories. Some carry messages; others are mere imagination. If a person is anxious, performing Hatavat Chalom can bring peace of mind. The Chazon Ish himself never did this, even when he had bad dreams, because he believed all dreams stem from one’s own thoughts, not from prophecy.”

“Ideally, the process is done in the morning — before the dream has time to ‘manifest.’ It should be done before three loving friends, almost like a small Beit Din (court). They must truly care about the dreamer, since if they repeat what was said, their words can have an effect. Family members are ideal for this. In extreme cases, one may fast the next day, as fasting atones and cancels any negative decree. Although fasting is normally forbidden on Shabbat, it’s permitted for a Ta’anit Chalom — followed by another fast later in the week as atonement for fasting on Shabbat.”

The Traditional Hatavat Chalom Prayer (Recited During Birkat Kohanim):

“Master of the universe, I am Yours and my dreams are Yours. 
I have dreamed a dream and I do not know what it means — whether I dreamed it myself or others dreamed it about me.
If the dreams are good, strengthen and fulfill them as the good dreams of Joseph the Righteous.
If they require healing, heal them as You healed the bitter waters through Moses, the waters of Jericho through Elisha, Miriam from her leprosy, Naaman from his leprosy, and Hezekiah from his illness.
And just as You turned Balaam’s curse into a blessing, so too turn all my dreams — and the dreams of Your people Israel — into goodness.
Grant us favor, compassion, and mercy.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before You, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.”