One dream, 24 opinions

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “Two Jews, three opinions.”

Well, when it comes to Jews and dreams, it’s no different. In the Talmud it is written that in ancient Jerusalem there were 24 dream interpreters. So Rabbi Bana’ah, took one of his dreams to all 24 of them. And he came away with 24 different interpretations—all of which proved to be correct.

Here’s what I take away from this little story:

1. There’s no one right way to interpret a dream.
2. People have been puzzling over what their dreams mean for a very long time.
3. There is a rich tradition of Jewish curiosity and wisdom relating to dreams. 

Plus: While it’s nice to talk a dream over with one person, nothing beats getting a group of dreamers together to consider a single dream!

My first spiritual teacher

Even as a small child I had vivid dreams, and I remember from a young age anticipating bedtime, knowing that my dreams would bring me some kind of adventure. Those adventures came in the form of fantastical events filled with everything from animals I could communicate with to anxious dreams of taking tests I was unprepared for, or showing up for school in my pajamas. Often, they were nightmares. 

And Jewish dream wisdom helped me deal with that, too!

According to the Talmud, when a person has a nightmare they should get three positive interpretations of it. I have found this to be wonderful advice. And my decades of dream studies including psychological, scientific approaches, and various wisdom traditions backs up this ancient dreamwork technique. All dreams come in the service of healing, even nightmares! But until we land on that helpful perspective, that sometimes can only come from talking the dream over with trusted others, we can get lost in the fear of the nightmare, and never receive the gifts of even the scariest dreams.

I think one positive read on the dream is enough–but 3 (or more) is even better!

Help for the the solo dreamer

But what if there’s no one around to help interpret that dream?

Happily, journaling about a dream can be nearly as effective as talking it over with a trusted friend. Sometimes the simple act of writing a dream down can supply the critical distance needed to get a fresh perspective and bring its message to the surface.  Other times writing a poem or story from a dream can introduce new layers of meaning and understanding. 

Dreaming into deep wisdom together

Then again, nothing beats sharing dreams together in a welcoming and creative environment.

Starting Jan. 9, I’ll be teaching a workshop titled A Dream of Many Colors: Blending Ancient Wisdom With Modern Writing Practices. Together we’ll look at dreams through the lens of ancient Jewish wisdom and use writing to unlock their messages and meanings. Read on for more, or get the details and register here.

If you are ready to connect with your dreams, spirituality and creativity, I hope you’ll join us — no matter what your faith background (or none) and whether or not you recall dreams often.

In the meantime I hope you’ll honor your dreams by writing them down, sharing them with others, and following their guidance to help you add meaning and joy to your life!

Sweet dreams,

Starting soon!

A Dream of Many Colors meets Thursdays, January 9, 15, 23 and 30, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. EST (also available on replay).

Join me for this dream-writing immersion using guided meditations, writing prompts, dream incubation and Jewish wisdom to tap into the midnight mind.
Hosted by Ritualwell, and open to people of all faiths, or none, and to everyone whether you remember dreams or not.

Get the details and register here.

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