Dream of a Burning House: What Does It Mean?
Question
I have been a widow for four years, and I have five sons. During the holiday, I dreamt several times that our house was burning (we were away and the house burned down). I woke up in panic each time from the dream. I would like to know what the dream means. Thank you.
Answer
Greetings,
Most likely, dreams have no significant meaning. However, since the dream recurred, it is advisable to do two things:
1. Say the text of 'the good dream' before three people as soon as possible, preferably those who are concerned for your well-being.
Alternatively, you can come to the morning Shacharit prayer and recite the following text during the 'Priestly Blessing' (and try to finish reciting the text when the priests finish saying 'Shalom,' so that the congregational response of *amen* also applies to your prayer):
Master of the Universe, I am Yours and my dreams are Yours. I had a dream, and I do not know what it is. May it be Your will, Hashem my God and God of my ancestors, that all my dreams be for good for me and for all Israel, whether I dreamed about myself or whether I dreamed about others, and whether others dreamed about me. If they are good, strengthen and make them endure in me and in them, like the dreams of Joseph the Righteous, and if they need healing, heal them like Hezekiah King of Judah from his illness, and like Miriam the Prophetess from her leprosy, and like Naaman from his leprosy, and like the water of Mara through our teacher Moses, and like the water of Jericho through Elisha. And just as You turned the curse of the wicked Bilaam from a curse to a blessing, so You shall turn all my dreams for me and for all Israel to good, and guard me and be gracious to me and accept my prayers. Amen.
2. Donate the value of meals from morning until evening (instead of fasting).
With Hashem's help, may you have peace, your home be at peace, and all that is yours be at peace.
Best wishes,
Hillel Meirs
